Peltola Edges Ahead of Sullivan in Alaska Senate Count as Ranked-Choice System Awaits Final Say
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Preliminary results put Democrat Mary Peltola ahead of incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan in Alaska, though the ranked-choice process and final certification in mid-November will ultimately decide the race.
Former U.S. Representative Mary Peltola is leading incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan in the early count of Alaska’s Senate race, according to preliminary results released Tuesday night. With 65,588 ballots counted, Peltola has 35,324 votes (54.1%) while Sullivan has 27,940 votes (42.8%). The race remains open, as the final result will be determined after ranked-choice tabulation scheduled for Nov. 18 and certification on Nov. 25.
The contest has been drenched in record fundraising, with Peltola’s campaign reporting nearly $37 million raised and Sullivan’s campaign about $11.6 million. Independent groups have poured more than $100 million into the race, backing both candidates and third-party contenders in a display of big-money political warfare.
"It’s a little depressing out there, but we don’t think that ‘blue wave’ is going to crest up in Alaska," Senator Sullivan said at an election-night event, adding that the state’s strong Republican turnout could keep the race competitive.
The election has also been shadowed by legal challenges. The Trump administration filed a lawsuit seeking to block certification of the results over concerns about voter confusion caused by a namesake challenger, Dan J. Sullivan, who is running without party affiliation. A federal judge dismissed the suit, and the administration indicated it may appeal. State investigators and the FBI are also probing allegations of a coordinated effort to recruit the namesake candidate.
Peltola’s campaign has centered on inflation, fuel prices, income inequality, and Medicaid cuts, while highlighting her role in approving the Willow oil field. Sullivan emphasized tax cuts, military buildup, and expanding oil and gas development on federal lands.
Both candidates have said they will accept the final certified results once all legal votes are counted.