Overview:
Mary Peltola outlined her priorities for Alaska Native communities and lowering costs at the Alaska Federation of Natives candidate forum in Anchorage, while incumbent U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan declined to participate, saying he considered a previous televised debate the final candidate forum.
Native Vote 2026
Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola outlined her vision for lowering costs, restoring Alaska’s fisheries and strengthening Alaska Native communities during the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) candidate forum in Anchorage, while incumbent U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan did not attend, according to Peltola’s campaign.
Sullivan told KNOM Radio Mission on Thursday he said he believed he had already provided sufficient opportunities for voters to hear from both candidates. However, the two candidates had not debated in front a predominately Alaska Native audience.
Peltola, a lifelong Alaskan and Yup’ik citizen, said she would work with Alaska Native communities to address economic challenges and advance priorities affecting tribal citizens and rural communities across the state.
“No Alaskan should ever have to choose between heating their home and feeding their family, and that is exactly the predicament we’re in,” Peltola said. “I will consistently work with the Alaska Federation of Natives and our Alaska Native communities on your priorities that ensure that we can attain abundance again.”
Peltola’s campaign criticized Sullivan for not attending the forum, arguing that his absence deprived attendees of an opportunity to question him about his record and his positions on issues affecting Alaska.
Alaska Native priorities and economic concerns
Peltola identified several priorities she said she would pursue if elected to the Senate, including restoring Alaska’s fisheries, protecting subsistence rights, expanding oil and gas development, and lowering the cost of housing and health care.
She also pledged to support public radio funding, defend the federal 8(a) Business Development Program, advance legislation addressing landless Alaska Native communities and strengthen the Alaska Marine Highway System.
These issues are significant for Alaska Native communities, particularly those in rural and coastal areas where subsistence fishing and hunting, access to health care, transportation and local economic opportunities are central to daily life.
The 8(a) program, administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, helps eligible socially and economically disadvantaged businesses compete for federal contracts. Alaska Native corporations and other Native-owned businesses have participated in the program, which has faced increased scrutiny and legal challenges in recent years.
Landless Alaska Native communities have also pursued federal legislation to address the exclusion of certain Alaska Native communities from land allocations made under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971.
Campaign focuses on affordability and resource development
The AFN forum followed a series of policy announcements from Peltola’s campaign addressing affordability, fisheries, oil and gas production, veterans’ services and federal policies affecting Alaska.
Peltola said she would seek to increase economic opportunities while addressing the rising costs confronting Alaska families.
Her campaign also emphasized her intention to serve as an independent voice for Alaska, saying she would work across party lines to advance the state’s interests.
According to the campaign, more than 17,000 Alaskans had signed up to help elect Peltola to the Senate.
The AFN candidate forum provided an opportunity for candidates to address Alaska Native concerns and discuss how federal policy could affect tribal communities, subsistence practices, Native-owned businesses and the state’s economy.
