Alaska Senate Candidates Trade Barbs on Iran, Economy in Fiery Debate
Incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan and Democratic challenger Mary Peltola clashed on foreign policy, consumer prices, and personal credibility in a pivotal debate.
Alaska's U.S. Senate candidates, Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola, engaged in a testy debate Thursday, sparring over the Iran war, soaring consumer prices, and accusations of dishonesty. The contest is seen as crucial in determining control of the closely divided Senate.
Sullivan argued for a swift end to the Iran war and advocated for opening the Strait of Hormuz, while also emphasizing the need for a deal to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Peltola countered that an agreement was distant and highlighted the war's impact on military personnel and Alaskans through rising energy bills.
Sullivan proposed increasing domestic energy production as a solution to high energy costs. Peltola, however, attributed rising prices and a weakening of global alliances to the Trump administration, while Sullivan warned that Democratic policies could undermine the military and domestic energy production.
The debate frequently turned personal, with both candidates accusing the other of dishonesty. Peltola stated that Alaskans were tired of "lying and dishonesty," while Sullivan accused Peltola of misrepresenting facts throughout the campaign.
On foreign conflicts, Peltola expressed strong support for Ukraine and criticized any actions that could bolster Russia, referencing President Donald Trump's past dealings. Sullivan affirmed his support for Ukraine but criticized Democrats for what he described as a weakening of military readiness.
At one point, Sullivan questioned if Peltola had advance knowledge of debate questions when she appeared to be consulting notes. A moderator confirmed that candidates did not receive questions beforehand.
Recent visits by Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to Alaska underscore the national significance of the race, as both parties vie for Senate control. Alaska has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2008.
Voter concerns about the Iran war, gas and diesel prices, and the cost of living are shaping the political landscape, influencing races for both the House and Senate.
Despite the sharp exchanges, the candidates found brief common ground on the issue of presidential term limits, with both agreeing that a president is limited to two terms, and Sullivan deeming a third term for Trump unconstitutional.
The race also features other candidates, including a second Dan Sullivan, who has conducted minimal campaigning. To qualify for the debate, candidates needed to secure at least 5% of the vote in the August open primary. The incumbent Sullivan finished behind Peltola in that primary.
Following the debate, Senator Sullivan told reporters that he saw Peltola's time in Congress as "not pretty" and ineffective, while Peltola stated that she and Sullivan had worked collaboratively as part of Alaska's congressional delegation, citing the approval of the Willow oil project as an accomplishment. Peltola previously served in the state's sole House seat before losing reelection in 2024.