The two leading candidates vying for an Alaska Senate seat clashed Thursday night over issues ranging from the war with Iran to controversies that arose during the Democratic nominee’s tenure in Congress, in a debate that at times devolved into personal attacks.
Incumbent Republican Speaker Dan Sullivan described Democratic challenger Mary Peltola as someone seeking a lobbying salary after her House term ends in 2025, pointing to recent news reports of tumult in her congressional office during her term.
Peltola sought to link Sullivan’s support for the war in Iran to the rising cost of living at home, pointing to Sullivan’s own increase in wealth during his time in office.
The race between Sullivan and Peltola, which NBC News considers a toss-up, is one of a handful that could determine control of the Senate in November. Democrats have targeted the seat as one of five potential pickup opportunities, despite Donald Trump winning Alaska by double digits in 2024.
When asked what he thought about the White House’s recent announcement that it would allow Russian diesel fuel to be released into the global market, Sullivan drew a distinction between himself and the Trump administration, an approach taken by other Republicans in tight races in recent debates.
“I just led the effort for a Russia sanctions bill that passed Congress, so I oppose it,” Sullivan said.
The senator then expressed opposition to the Pentagon’s now-withdrawn announcement that it would livestream the execution of convicted terrorist Nidal Hasan.
“He certainly needs to be executed, but if you live stream this terrorist, you’re going to create more terrorists,” Sullivan said.
Asked about the war with Iran, both candidates said the conflict should end soon.
Peltola blamed rising prices in his country on the ongoing conflict — issues that polls show have become a drag on Republicans as the midterm elections approach.
“There doesn’t seem to be a peace deal on the horizon, and I think it’s very important that our military be withdrawn and protected,” Peltola said when asked if she would support ending the war without a peace deal.
Sullivan said he supports President Donald Trump’s war powers in Iran because “the largest state sponsor of terrorism should not have nuclear weapons.”
“But this must stop soon. The energy costs of this war are too high,” Sullivan continued, adding that boosting domestic energy production would reduce costs.
In another exchange, Sullivan criticized Peltola’s lobbying work after losing the state’s House of Representatives seat in 2024.
“Mary, you go through the revolving door so much you must be dizzy here,” Sullivan said.
Peltola responded by noting the increase in Sullivan’s net worth during his two terms as senator.
“Dan has been in Washington for 12 years and has gotten richer over the years,” Peltola said.
Sullivan responded, referring to a recent New York Times article that described unrest in his office and congressional campaign, including angry outbursts and offensive remarks.
“Twenty-five staffers abandoned Mary Peltola because she physically and emotionally abused them, and then she slandered every other group, African-Americans, people with special needs. That’s a character flaw of my opponent,” Sullivan said, referring to the Times’ reporting on her time on Capitol Hill.
Peltola was then asked directly about the Times’ reporting.
“I don’t think this election is about my worst day,” Peltola said, calling the stories “allegations” and “massive exaggerations of the truth.”
Thursday’s debate comes just days after Trump traveled to Wasilla, Alaska, to hold a rally in support of Sullivan as part of his multistate blitz to support Republican candidates, and Vice President JD Vance visited Fairbanks earlier this month.
The topic of Trump, however, was largely absent from Thursday’s debate, a departure from other high-profile elections.
Alaska last elected a Democrat to the Senate in 2008, when Sen. Mark Begich ousted Republican incumbent Ted Stevens.
Peltola finished ahead of Sullivan in the August all-party primary, with Peltola receiving 49.5% of the vote and Sullivan 41.4%.
A second Republican candidate, also named Dan Sullivan — who denied Republican accusations that it was a ploy to confuse voters — received just 2.5 percent of the vote. Dan J. Sullivan did not participate in Thursday night’s debate, although he will be on the ballot in November.
Gn headline
