Alaska Senate Race: Sullivan, Peltola Advance
Alaska's unique voting system sends top four primary candidates to November's ranked-choice general election.
The update
In Alaska’s Senate primary, incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola have advanced to the general election. The state’s unique voting system allows the top four primary candidates to advance to a ranked-choice general election in November, regardless of party affiliation.
Why it matters
This race could be pivotal in determining control of the Senate. Democrats need to flip four seats to take the majority, and Alaska represents one of their opportunities. Peltola made history as the first Alaska Native in Congress and nearly flipped the state’s House seat in 2024 despite Trump winning Alaska by 13 points.
What to watch
Watch how Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system impacts the general election dynamics. Both parties are investing heavily—Republicans have committed $17 million to Sullivan’s campaign, while Democrats have reserved over $12 million for Peltola. The final two candidates advancing to the general election remain to be determined.
Sources
- cbsnews.com — Primary results and candidate backgrounds
- thehill.com — Voting system details and race implications
