Election
Aug 18, 2026

Peltola seeks Senate seat on Alaska primary ballots

The Native candidate has raised $7 million more than incumbent, with major polls showing a close contest


August 18, 2026

Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, Yup’ik, is seeking the Senate seat held by Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan on Tuesday, when 17 Native candidates will appear on Alaska primary ballots, according to reporting from ICT. Voters may choose among 16 Senate candidates outside their party under the state’s ranked-choice system.

Peltola raised about $18.5 million, compared with $11.7 million for Sullivan. Major polls show the candidates neck and neck.

Peltola first won a 2022 special election after Republican Rep. Don Young died following nearly 50 years in office, then lost her 2024 reelection bid to Nick Begich. If elected, she could be the country’s first female Native U.S. senator.

Her campaign said she would lower costs, defend subsistence fishing rights and expand a federal business development program that grants preferences to tribes in federal contracts. 

Spotted an error? Suggest a correction.

We provide independent Native-focused reporting that gives our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.