Mary Peltola, a former representative from Alaska, has achieved an impressive first-quarter fundraising total, but it’s not without significant expenses. Her campaign to challenge Alaska GOP Senator Dan Sullivan has brought in nearly $8.7 million in the first quarter, as reported by the Federal Election Commission. Despite raising four times the amount of her rival, Peltola’s expenditures reached nearly $3 million, leaving her with $5.7 million remaining.
In contrast, Sullivan’s campaign raised $1.7 million and began April with over $7 million available.
Both campaigns claim robust financial positions, anticipating a highly costly race by Alaska’s standards, which could influence the Senate’s balance of power. Peltola currently holds a slight lead, with a 5-point advantage over Sullivan in a mid-March Alaska Survey Research poll.
External groups are also playing a significant role in supporting the candidates. Democratic-leaning organizations have already invested over $3 million in Peltola’s campaign, according to AdImpact. On the Republican side, the Senate Leadership Fund, a prominent super PAC, has committed $15 million to defend Sullivan’s seat and has already spent millions on advertising.
