Alaska Senate Candidates Debate Iran Conflict, Cost of Living and Office Records

Incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democratic candidate Mary Peltola faced each other Thursday night in Anchorage, debating issues ranging from the war with Iran to rising household costs and their past conduct in office. The race, rated a toss-up by NBC News, is viewed as pivotal for Senate control in November.

Sullivan said he led the effort on a Russia sanctions act and opposed the White House’s plan to release Russian diesel fuel, distancing himself from the Trump administration’s policy. He also criticized a Pentagon proposal to livestream an execution, warning it could inspire more terrorism.

Both candidates agreed the Iran conflict should end soon. Peltola linked higher prices at home to the war and urged removal of U.S. forces, while Sullivan backed President Donald Trump’s war powers against Iran, arguing the nation is a major sponsor of terrorism and that ending the war would lower energy costs.

The debate turned personal when Sullivan accused Peltola of seeking a lobbying paycheck after leaving the House in 2025 and referenced a New York Times report about staff turnover in her former office. Peltola responded that the allegations were exaggerated and highlighted Sullivan’s increase in net worth over his two Senate terms.

The discussion followed recent campaign visits by President Donald Trump, who rallied for Sullivan in Wasilla, and Vice President JD Vance, who visited Fairbanks. Despite the high-profile visits, the candidates focused largely on policy rather than the president’s presence.

Alaska has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2008. In the August primary, Peltola led with 49.5% of the vote to Sullivan’s 41.4%, setting the stage for a closely watched general-election contest.