Former Alaska congresswoman Mary Peltola announced Monday that she will run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, setting up a closely watched contest against incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who is pursuing a third term. The decision is seen as a major recruitment win for national Democrats, who had viewed Peltola as their strongest contender in the reliably conservative state.
Peltola made history in 2022 as the first Alaska Native to serve in Congress after capturing the state’s at-large House seat in a special election following the death of longtime Republican Rep. Don Young. She secured a full term later that year but narrowly lost her 2024 re-election bid by roughly three points to Republican Nick Begich. Before announcing her Senate campaign, Peltola had also explored a possible 2026 gubernatorial run.
In a launch video released online, Peltola revived her well-known messaging of emphasizing “fish, family and freedom,” while casting herself as a pragmatic voice focused on issues close to home. She highlighted the rising cost of living, strain on Alaska’s fisheries, housing shortages, and energy prices as central concerns. She argued that federal officials often underestimate the challenges rural Alaskans face, pointing to household essentials costing several times more than in the Lower 48.
Peltola praised Young and the late Republican Sen. Ted Stevens as examples of officials who prioritized Alaskan needs above partisan divides. Among her early policy commitments was a proposal for congressional term limits capped at 12 years, equivalent to two Senate terms or six House terms, which she argued would help restore accountability.
Known for a moderate profile, Peltola has supported abortion rights and gun ownership – noting in past interviews that she owns more than 170 long guns. During her time in the House, she participated in the bipartisan Blue Dog Coalition and occasionally aligned with Republicans on energy and immigration legislation, though she did not pass standalone bills during her term.
Sen. Sullivan, a former Marine and key Trump ally, enters the race with solid financial resources and institutional backing, including support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee. His campaign reported nearly $4.8 million in cash on hand as of late September 2025. Campaign aides argued Peltola lacks a legislative record and stressed Sullivan’s bipartisan work on defense, Arctic policy, and infrastructure.
The race also introduces a complex dynamic with Alaska’s other senator, Lisa Murkowski, a Republican with long ties to Peltola dating back to their service in the state legislature. Murkowski endorsed Peltola in her 2022 and 2024 House races but immediately backed Sullivan following Peltola’s Senate announcement, citing party control of the chamber as a priority.
Democrats face an unfavorable map in their bid to flip the Senate majority. Republicans currently hold a 53–47 advantage, and Democrats must defend every seat while capturing at least four GOP-held ones. Alaska has voted Republican in every presidential race since 1968, and former President Donald Trump won the state by 13 points in 2024. Still, Democratic strategists believe Peltola’s personal appeal and ability to draw crossover support could create a competitive environment.
Outside groups are already pouring money into the contest. The Democratic-aligned Senate Majority PAC has spent an estimated $3.1 million on early advertising criticizing Sullivan, while Republican groups have invested around $1.5 million. The NRSC released a digital spot shortly after Peltola’s announcement linking her to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris while attacking her stance on cultural and energy issues.
Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system adds additional unpredictability. Under the format, all candidates appear on a single primary ballot, and voters rank finalists in the general election. Analysts say Peltola could benefit if Republican voters split in early rounds, though Sullivan has so far avoided serious intra-party challengers.
The 2026 campaign is expected to test whether Peltola’s bipartisan brand and personal history can overcome the state’s long-running Republican tilt – and whether national Democrats can broaden their map in a difficult election cycle.
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