Mary Peltola, a candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in Alaska, has rejected an endorsement from former presidential candidate Kamala Harris, according to her campaign spokesperson.
The endorsement was part of a fundraising email sent by Harris, which stated, "If there’s anyone who can flip Alaska and secure the Senate majority for Democrats — it’s Mary." Peltola's spokesperson told The New York Times that the campaign did not approve the message and that Peltola is focused on Alaska.
Harris, who lost Alaska by 13 points in the 2024 presidential election, has become a point of contention in the race. Republicans have used her endorsement of Peltola to attempt to damage the latter's campaign.
Nick Puglia, a spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, claimed that Peltola "worked hand in hand with Kamala Harris to put Alaska last." He was referring to Peltola's previous term as Alaska's U.S. Representative from 2022 to 2025 during the Biden-Harris administration.
Rebecca Himschoot, an Alaska state lawmaker elected as an Independent, called Harris's endorsement "really dumb," suggesting Harris was attempting to "ride Mary Peltola’s coattails."
Harris has privately indicated she may run for president again in 2028. In her 2024 presidential campaign, Harris did not receive an endorsement from Peltola, who has campaigned on a platform of "fish, family and freedom" and positioned herself as a centrist Democrat.
Polls suggest Peltola has a strong chance of becoming Alaska's first Democratic senator since 2014. The state's election rules will see ten candidates advance from a primary to a general election. While most forecasts predict Peltola will win, a New York Times/Siena poll indicated that incumbent Republican Dan S. Sullivan may retain his seat.
Adding a layer of complexity to the race, another Republican named Daniel J. Sullivan is also running for the same seat, raising concerns among GOP strategists about voter confusion. Alaska generally leans conservative, but its voters are known for an independent streak. Lisa Murkowski, Alaska's other Republican U.S. Senator, has endorsed Dan S. Sullivan in the current race, though she previously backed Peltola for the House of Representatives.
President Trump's war in Iran is also seen as a potential factor that could benefit Peltola's campaign by impacting the incumbent senator's standing.