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Sullivan and Peltola Advance, Setting Alaska Senate Control Race

8/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mary Peltola, a Native who won the House seat in 2022, and Dan Sullivan advanced from the top-four primary, setting a race that could decide Senate control.
Dan Sullivan, a Marine endorsed by President Donald Trump, faces voter frustration over living costs.
Dan J. Sullivan, reinstated by the Alaska Supreme Court after a June removal, could act as a spoiler if he also reaches the top four among 600,000 voters.

History

Historical Context

In 2008, Democrat Mark Begich unseated convicted Republican Ted Stevens, the only Senate flip that year, and in 2010 Murkowski reclaimed her seat as a write-in with over 100,000 votes after losing the Republican primary. That legacy of partisan upsets frames the 2024 Alaska Senate primary, where Democrat Mary Peltola challenges incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan, a race that could again shift the chamber’s balance.

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Story summary

Mary Peltola, a Native who won the House seat in 2022, and Dan Sullivan advanced from the top-four primary, setting a race that could decide Senate control.
Dan Sullivan, a Marine endorsed by President Donald Trump, faces voter frustration over living costs.
Dan J. Sullivan, reinstated by the Alaska Supreme Court after a June removal, could act as a spoiler if he also reaches the top four among 600,000 voters.

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