Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola listens to a question during a debate against Republican Nick Begich on live television at Alaska Public Media on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Anchorage, Alaska. (Bill Roth/Anchorage Daily News via AP, File)
By BallotWire
2026
Mary Peltola, who made history as Alaska's first Native representative in Congress, has declared her intention to run for the U.S. Senate, setting up a 2026 showdown with incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan.
The Democrat served Alaska's sole House seat from 2022 through early 2025, breaking barriers as both the first Alaska Native in Congress and the first woman to represent the state in the House. After winning a special election and one full term, she lost her re-election campaign last year by a narrow margin.
Peltola's Senate announcement invoked her signature campaign theme of "fish, family, freedom," with an introductory video showcasing her connection to the Kuskokwim River and urging Alaskans to prioritize practical problem-solving over partisan division.
Central to her platform are concerns that resonate across Alaska: the burden of high living expenses, opportunities for economic growth, and what she characterizes as a Washington establishment that serves political insiders rather than ordinary citizens.
For Senate Democrats, Peltola's candidacy represents a significant recruitment win as they search for competitive opportunities in traditionally Republican territory. The party hasn't won a Senate seat in Alaska since 2008, giving this race both historical weight and strategic importance.
Sullivan, who first won his seat in 2014, begins the race with considerable advantages in a state where President Trump won decisively in 2024 by double-digit margins. Still, Peltola brings statewide recognition from her congressional tenure and a reputation for bipartisan cooperation that could narrow what would typically be a wide Republican advantage.
The state's unique ranked-choice voting system and open primary format will shape both the primary and general election dynamics, giving all candidates the opportunity to appeal broadly across the state’s diverse electorate.
With Peltola now in the race, Alaska's Senate contest has emerged as one of the most closely watched battles heading into the 2026 midterms, drawing scrutiny from both parties as they gauge the political landscape.