Sullivan presses Peltola on cue cards as Alaska Senate debate exposes prepared talking points
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Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan challenged Democratic candidate Mary Peltola over her use of notecards in a televised debate, while both sides also discussed allegations, the LNG pipeline, and the high-stakes battle for the U.S. Senate majority.
Alaska Senate hopeful Mary Peltola came under scrutiny Thursday night after she appeared to consult notecards during a debate with incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan. Sullivan wasted no time calling out the performance on X, posting, "Really, Mary? Reading off a script? You can't cue-card your way through the Senate," after noticing Peltola glance at a paper with bullet points.
Republican National Committee official Joanna Rodriguez also weighed in on X, saying Peltola appeared to rely on "talking points" prepared by outside handlers. A social-media user added that Peltola could not read her own name without a cue card.
When the issue resurfaced, Sullivan asked the moderators whether the candidates had received the questions in advance, and they answered no. He then said he was "just watching my opponent," making clear he was paying attention to how heavily she leaned on notes.
Peltola said she was "better prepared" and defended her use of notes. The Republican research arm posted a clip of Peltola reading from a card and noted that she had not introduced any bill to aid Alaska fishermen during her first term in Congress.
The debate also covered personal allegations, with Sullivan citing a New York Times report that 25 former staffers had quit while working for Peltola. Peltola rejected the claims as fabrications and argued the campaign should not focus on her "worst day."
Moderators warned that continued interruptions could lead to microphones being shut off. Both candidates addressed the proposed liquefied natural gas pipeline, with Sullivan defending the administration's efforts and Peltola supporting the project while cautioning against unsubstantiated expectations.
The race is viewed as a key contest for control of the U.S. Senate, with the Cook Political Report labeling it a toss-up. President Donald Trump carried Alaska in the 2024 election, and the outcome could affect the narrow Senate majority.