Former Rep. Mary Peltola jumps into Alaska Senate race

Mary Peltola Joins Alaska Senate Race, Sparking Democratic Optimism

Former Representative Mary Peltola has officially entered the race for the Alaska Senate seat, marking a significant recruitment victory for the Democratic Party and potentially reshaping the Senate landscape ahead of the 2026 elections.

Peltola’s candidacy is a strategic boon for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who successfully encouraged her to challenge incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). With her image as a moderate problem-solver and the state’s unique ranked-choice voting system, Peltola’s campaign could provide a glimmer of hope for Democrats—although they face a daunting challenge in a state that President Donald Trump won by 13 percentage points in 2024.

In her campaign launch video, Peltola emphasized her commitment to “fish, family, and freedom,” while advocating for term limits and prioritizing Alaskan interests. “Systemic change is the only way to bring down grocery costs, save our fisheries, lower energy prices and build new housing Alaskans can afford,” she proclaimed. “It’s about time Alaskans teach the rest of the country what Alaska First and, really, America First looks like.”

By stepping into the race, Peltola presents a fresh opportunity for the Democrats, who need to flip four seats to reclaim the Senate majority in the upcoming fall elections. While the odds are stacked against them, Democratic spirits have been buoyed by recent electoral successes. During her tenure in Congress, Peltola crafted a moderate profile, occasionally siding with Republicans on issues like energy and immigration.

However, Peltola’s path is fraught with challenges. Her previous electoral victories were largely facilitated by a fragmented Republican field, and aside from her 2022 win, the Democrats have clinched only one other federal race in Alaska over the past fifty years.

Democrats stand a better chance of winning if the Republican vote splinters, particularly in a state where ranked-choice voting means all candidates compete in the initial round. Notably, Senator Sullivan has yet to attract any formidable challengers from within his party.

Peltola first entered Congress in September 2022 during a special election to fill the shoes of the late Rep. Don Young, who had a remarkable 49-year tenure before his passing. In her Senate announcement, she invoked Young and former Senator Ted Stevens—both Republicans—highlighting their ability to transcend partisan divides to advocate for essential services like public media and disaster relief, which are vital for Alaska.

In November 2022, Peltola secured a full term by defeating a divided Republican field that included former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Nick Begich. Yet, her prospects dimmed in 2024 when she narrowly lost to Begich in a rematch, as the Republican Party consolidated support behind him. Peltola had also considered a gubernatorial run this year, making her Senate candidacy a significant win for Democrats in Washington.

As the first Alaska Native to serve in Congress, a victory in this Senate race would further cement her legacy as the first of her heritage to hold a Senate seat.