Former Congresswoman Mary Peltola has officially launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in Alaska, positioning herself as a strong contender against incumbent GOP Senator Dan Sullivan. In her announcement video, Peltola expressed her concerns about the challenges facing Alaskans, highlighting a shift from abundance to scarcity as key resources like salmon and game become increasingly difficult to find. “Now, we have scarcity,” she stated, emphasizing the rising cost of groceries.
Peltola’s political career began with her historic election to Congress in 2022, where she made history as the first Alaska Native representative. Despite losing her re-election bid in 2024 by a narrow margin, she has maintained a reputation for outperforming her Democratic peers in a largely Republican state. Her support extends across the political spectrum, aided by her experience as a state legislator and her previous affiliation with the centrist Blue Dog Coalition.
As Peltola campaigns, she aims to attract conservative voters by invoking the legacy of past Alaskan lawmakers such as Ted Stevens and Don Young, whom she credited for prioritizing Alaska’s needs over partisan politics. She stated, “Our delegation used to stand up to their party and put Alaska first,” signaling her intent to follow that precedent.
Her campaign is framed around the slogan “fish, family, freedom,” and reflects her commitment to issues that resonate with Alaskan voters, including support for gun rights and abortion rights. Peltola has also publicly criticized what she calls a “rigged system” and expressed support for term limits, echoing sentiments that might appeal to voters seeking change.
While Peltola rallies support, Senator Sullivan, a veteran with a strong backing from Trump, is preparing for a competitive race. His campaign boasts significant financial resources, with nearly $4.8 million in funds as of September 30. Sullivan’s supporters point to his record of securing substantial investments in healthcare and infrastructure in Alaska as evidence of his effectiveness as a senator.
Democrats are already mobilizing resources against Sullivan, with combined ad spending surpassing $3.1 million to bolster Peltola’s campaign, while Republican groups have contributed nearly $1.5 million in support of Sullivan.
As the race unfolds, Peltola’s focus on bipartisan values and the needs of Alaskans presents a hopeful alternative to traditional party lines, potentially making the Senate seat contest a pivotal battleground in the upcoming elections. Her candidacy brings renewed energy to the Democratic Party’s efforts to gain traction in historically Republican strongholds, demonstrating a shift in political dynamics and voter engagement in Alaska.