Mary Peltola Leads Alaska Senate Primary Over Dan Sullivan

Democratic former Representative Mary Peltola led Alaska's nonpartisan open primary for the U.S. Senate on August 18, 2026, securing approximately 48% of the vote. Incumbent Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan followed with roughly 43%. Both candidates advanced to the November 3 general election, which will be decided by ranked-choice voting. The race is viewed as a critical toss-up for control of the U.S. Senate.

The primary was marked by a legal and political dispute over the candidacy of Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher who shares the incumbent's name. While he placed third and is expected to appear on the general ballot, Donald Trump characterized the candidacy as a Democratic "HOAX" designed to trick voters. The United States Department of Justice is reportedly investigating whether the candidacy was part of a conspiracy to confuse voters, an allegation Daniel J. Sullivan denies.

In other statewide contests, Republican Nick Begich led the U.S. House race with 46.1%, while Democrats Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and Tom Begich secured the top two spots in the open race for governor. Additionally, Alaska voters approved Ballot Measure 1 with over 71% support, reinstating campaign contribution limits for state and local elections. The primary saw a voter turnout of approximately 22%, though the Alaska Federation of Natives reported staffing shortages and polling delays in rural areas.