Mary Peltola Leads Dan Sullivan in Crucial Alaska Senate Race
Mary Peltola, a Democrat, has taken a 6-point lead over Republican Senator Dan Sullivan in Alaska’s latest polls, three weeks before Election Day. Peltola, a former U.S. representative, holds this advantage as former President Donald Trump plans a visit to Alaska to support Sullivan. While Trump’s prior support bolstered Sullivan, his decline in popularity in Alaska has become a liability for the senator.
Peltola’s campaign has managed to overcome past controversies, including accusations from former staff members that involved the use of slurs and emotional outbursts. Her campaign attributed this behavior to the personal loss of her husband and mother in a short span of time. The Democratic Party is aiming for a Senate majority by winning in key states like Alaska, Texas, and Maine.
“Mary welcomes any President visiting the state to hear about the issues Alaskans are facing, and she looks forward to working with President Trump to unleash Alaska energy and lower costs for when she’s elected to the United States Senate,” said a campaign spokesperson.
Sullivan is under scrutiny for his policy decisions, particularly his support for the war in Iran, which Peltola’s team attributes to rising costs for Alaskans. Peltola intends to engage with residents to discuss plans on lowering costs and combating corruption in Washington.
Polling Insights
The latest InsiderAdvantage poll, conducted on October 9 and 10 with 1,200 likely voters, shows Peltola leading Sullivan with 48.2% to 42.6% in the initial round. The ranked choice voting calculates a final outcome of 50.1% for Peltola and 48% for Sullivan. Notably, 14.4% of Republicans in the poll indicated support for Peltola.
Another poll by Alaska Survey Research from October 1 to 3 among 1,512 likely voters showed Peltola at 51% against Sullivan’s 49% in the final round. Even though Sullivan has led at times, Peltola frequently maintains a slight edge. Alaska generally favors GOP candidates in federal elections, adding pressure to both campaigns.
Alaska’s ranked choice voting system, new since 2020, adds another layer to the election dynamics. Only Peltola represents the Democratic side, possibly benefiting her.
Prediction Markets
Prediction markets indicate a less favorable outlook for Sullivan. On Polymarket, Peltola now has a 72.5% likelihood of winning compared to Sullivan’s 28.5%. Similar results appear on Kalshi, with Peltola at 75% versus Sullivan at 27%. These forecasts suggest stronger confidence in a Democratic victory, contrasting polls that suggest a close race.
Trump’s Alaska Rally for Sullivan
Trump’s campaign tour continues with a rally in Wasilla, Alaska, to support Sullivan. Despite Trump’s previous win in Alaska during the 2024 elections, his approval has declined, with state residents concerned about rising living costs and Sullivan’s backing of contentious policies. Trump’s rally represents a critical test of his lingering influence.
Vice President JD Vance recently supported Sullivan in Fairbanks, warning of potential Democratic tactics to secure election wins. This underscores the importance of protecting Sullivan’s seat for the GOP.
Impact of the Alaska Senate Race
Since 2014, Republicans have controlled both Senate seats in Alaska. While Senator Lisa Murkowski’s seat is not up for election, Democrats aim to change the balance by winning Sullivan’s seat. Peltola’s previous statewide win in the House and shifting voter sentiment bolster Democratic optimism.
Republicans remain hopeful because of Trump’s past success in Alaska and Sullivan’s record of surpassing expectations. The upcoming rally provides a significant opportunity to gauge Trump’s sway and Sullivan’s prospects as the election approaches.