The Senate race in Alaska has emerged as one of the most closely watched of 2026, with polls showing a tight contest between Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola.
Alaskans head to the polls on Tuesday for one of the final primaries of the 2026 election cycle. The race has drawn national attention as Democrats target Alaska as one of their opportunities to gain the four seats they need to take control of the Senate. President Donald Trump carried Alaska in both of his presidential victories, but Democrats see an opening with Peltola, who has demonstrated crossover appeal in the traditionally Republican state.
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A July New York Times-Siena University poll found Sullivan narrowly leading Peltola, 47%-45%, a result that fell within the poll’s margin of error. The Cook Political Report also rated the race as toss-up, citing the competitive polling and the possible impact of a second candidate named Dan Sullivan appearing on the ballot. Alaska Survey Research’s March poll showed Peltola leading Sullivan 49%-44%, while an April survey put Peltola ahead 49%-43%.
Alaska’s unusual election system adds another layer of uncertainty. All Senate candidates run together in the August primary, with the top four advancing to the November general election. Voters then use ranked choice voting to determine the winner, with candidates eliminated in rounds until one receives a majority.
The race has also been complicated by the presence of another Republican candidate named Dan Sullivan. The Alaska Division of Elections lists the senator as “Sullivan, Dan S.” and identifies him as the Republican incumbent, while the other candidate appears as “Sullivan, Daniel J. Jr.”
The second Sullivan’s candidacy prompted an investigation by Alaska election officials after GOP allegations that he was attempting to confuse voters because of his name. The state initially removed him from the ballot, but the Alaska Supreme Court later ordered that he be included.
ALASKA PRIMARY: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TUESDAY’S ELECTION
Sen. Sullivan has meanwhile secured Trump’s endorsement as he seeks another term. Peltola, who won Alaska’s at-large House seat in a 2022 special election before losing it in 2024, has sought to emphasize her Alaska roots and distance herself from national Democratic figures.
That approach was on display last week when Peltola’s campaign rejected an unsolicited fundraising appeal from former Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris’s political action committee sent an email urging supporters to donate to Peltola, describing her as a key to helping Democrats regain control of the Senate. Peltola’s campaign said she was not seeking endorsements from figures outside Alaska and remained focused on the state.
