Alaska Senate race remains stuck in slow-count limbo as ranked-choice system delays the verdict
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Incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola are still awaiting the result of Alaska's ranked-choice vote, with the drawn-out tabulation likely taking weeks and leaving voters in suspense.
Incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola are still awaiting a result in Alaska's Senate race, with the final count expected to take several weeks. The ballot also includes independent candidate Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher, and Republican Gerald Heikes.
Approximately three-quarters of the votes have been tallied, but under Alaska's ranked-choice voting system a candidate must secure more than 50% of first-choice votes to win outright. If no one reaches that threshold, the tabulation proceeds to additional rounds, which will not begin until 15 days after Election Day.
The delayed outcome comes as Democrats have already secured a Senate majority, while Republicans hope the Alaska result could affect the balance of power. Another unresolved contest, the Mississippi Senate race, also remains pending.
"The results are not going to be fast. But Alaskans are patient," Sen. Mary Peltola told reporters, adding that the timeline would be measured in weeks rather than days.
"We're going to have a long night," Sen. Dan Sullivan said, noting that the process could extend over several weeks.