Sullivan, Peltola projected to advance in Alaska Senate race amid same-name controversy
NBC News projects that Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola will be among the top four candidates in Alaska's primary and move on to the November ballot, while a second candidate named Dan J. Sullivan remains on the ballot pending legal scrutiny.
Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola are expected to advance from Alaska's top-four primary to the November Senate election, according to NBC News projections. The state’s unique primary system places all candidates on a single ballot, with the four highest vote-getters moving on to a ranked-choice general election.
A former teacher, Dan J. Sullivan, also appears on the primary ballot as a Republican. State and federal prosecutors are investigating whether his candidacy was part of a scheme to confuse voters, and a grand jury has issued subpoenas related to the matter. Both Sullivan’s campaign and Peltola’s team have denied any coordination with the second Sullivan.
The race is viewed by Democrats as a potential pickup needed to achieve a Senate majority, with Peltola highlighted as a strong candidate due to her statewide experience as a former at-large congresswoman. Peltola, the first Alaska Native elected to Congress, lost her 2024 re-election bid by a narrow margin but out-raised Sullivan, raising $18 million compared with his $12 million.
Sullivan, a former Marine first elected in 2014, has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump and emphasizes his support for veterans and the fishing industry. Peltola’s campaign, which focuses on local issues under the slogan “fish, family, freedom,” recently reorganized its staff, appointing deputy campaign manager Cheryl Bruce as campaign manager.