Sullivan Holds Slight Lead Over Peltola in Alaska Senate Race as Count Continues

Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan has a narrow advantage over Democratic challenger Mary Peltola in Alaska’s Senate contest, with 48.3% of the vote to Peltola’s 47.5% after more than 80% of precincts reported on Tuesday night. A third candidate, retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan, received 1.7% of the vote.

"I'm confident when all the votes are counted, I will have the honor of representing you in the United States Senate again for six more years," Sullivan said at a campaign gathering in Anchorage.

Peltola, who earlier in the evening celebrated an early lead, told supporters, "We are winning our state back," before acknowledging that the race remained tight as additional precincts reported.

The race is complicated by a ballot-name controversy involving the second Dan Sullivan. Federal and state investigations are examining whether voters were confused by the duplicate name. The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit seeking to block certification if Sullivan loses, a case that a judge dismissed on grounds of ballot secrecy; the department is appealing. A separate criminal investigation has also been opened.

Both campaigns have highlighted contrasting policy priorities. Peltola, who would become the first Alaska Native senator and the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in the state since 2008, has focused on affordability, health-care costs, and salmon-bycatch regulation. Sullivan, a Marine veteran and former state attorney general, emphasizes military and Coast Guard presence, as well as expanding oil, gas, minerals, timber and renewable energy development.

Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system will determine the winner if no candidate secures more than 50% of first-choice votes, with final tabulations scheduled for Nov. 18. The state will continue to accept mailed ballots for up to 10 days after the election, or 15 days for overseas mail.