During a debate in Alaska, Republican Senator Dan Sullivan appeared to look at his Democratic opponent Mary Peltola's response paddle before giving his own answer to a moderator's question. The incident occurred on Saturday when candidates were asked if the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries adequately consider impacts on subsistence users, salmon migration, habitat, and Indigenous ways of life.
Peltola, who has experience as a commercial fisherman, immediately raised her paddle showing "NO." Sullivan, a sport fisherman, was observed shuffling through his notes and was prompted by moderators to respond. Before he did, he appeared to glance at Peltola's paddle, which also displayed "NO."
The moment drew laughter from the audience and a smile from Sullivan. Following the debate, Peltola, who previously held Alaska's lone U.S. House seat, posted on X, "Alaskans deserve a senator who knows where they stand."
The race for the U.S. Senate seat in Alaska is considered a toss-up this year. Alaska has not elected a Democratic senator since 2008. While not as frequently polled as other contests, recent surveys have shown Peltola with a slight edge over Sullivan. The election will be conducted using ranked-choice voting, a system that comes into play if no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote.