Incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan and former Rep. Mary Peltola Secure Senate Primary Spots in Alaska

Incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola, a former Alaska congresswoman, placed first and second in Alaska's open primary, advancing to the November general election. After about 80% of ballots were counted, Peltola led with 48% of the vote while Sullivan trailed with 42.8%.

Both candidates are expected to compete for a Senate seat that could help determine whether Republicans or Democrats hold the chamber for the final two years of the current presidential term. Sullivan, first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2020, has emphasized support for Alaska's oil industry and military installations, as well as tax-cut extensions passed last year. Peltola, the first Alaska Native to serve in the U.S. House, highlighted her work on fisheries and opposition to President Trump's economic policies.

A second Republican named Dan J. Sullivan, a retired schoolteacher, also ran and finished third, though his qualification for the ballot remains pending. Alaska Republicans have described him as a “sham” candidate backed by Democrats, but a challenge to remove him from the race was denied.

Peltola has raised more than $18.5 million this cycle and holds over $4.6 million in cash, while Sullivan has collected about $11.7 million and has nearly $7.3 million on hand. The primary also advanced Republican Nick Begich III and independent Bill Hill for the state's lone House seat, and Democratic candidates Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and Tom Begich for the governor's race.

The outcomes set the stage for a pivotal Senate contest as Democrats target several Republican-held seats in states that supported President Trump in 2024.