Former Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat, plans to challenge incumbent GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan in the 2026 midterms. AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, FileFormer Rep. Mary Peltola of Alaska announced Monday morning she would challenge incumbent GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan in the 2026 midterms, a decision placing the Last Frontier at the center of the battle for the Senate. Even in her loss, Peltola convinced 7% of Alaskan voters to split their ballots between her and President Donald Trump. “Voters trust Dan Sullivan to keep fighting for the Alaskan comeback and will reject Peltola again.” (Peltola went to work for a law and lobbying firm after losing her reelection bid but never registered as a lobbyist.) AdvertisementMurkowski herself, who had crossed party lines to endorse Peltola in the past, told local media she is backing Sullivan for reelection.

Source: Huffington Post January 12, 2026 15:52 UTC