Trump Ventures to Alaska to Bolster Senator in Tight Race
The former president's trip underscores Republican concerns about retaining Senate control, with Alaska's race seen as unexpectedly competitive.
President Donald Trump made an extensive campaign trip to Alaska on Tuesday, headlining a rally for Republican Senator Dan Sullivan in Wasilla. The visit, a significant allocation of Trump's time ahead of the midterm elections, signals growing Republican apprehension about maintaining their Senate majority.
Sullivan, seeking his third term, faces a challenge from Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman who is campaigning on an "Alaska first" platform and emphasizing the cost of living. Historically, Alaska has leaned Republican, with Democrats last winning a Senate seat in 2008 and a gubernatorial race in 1998. The state has only voted Republican for president in all but one election, during Lyndon B. Johnson's 1964 landslide victory.
However, persistent inflation and high gasoline prices, exacerbated by global events, have impacted Trump's approval ratings, creating an opening for Democrats in Alaska.
During the rally, Trump announced that Taiwan would purchase over $4 billion in gas from a proposed mega-gas project he has promoted. He also stated the Federal Communications Commission would soon vote on an additional $162 million investment in expanding high-speed internet access in Alaska. Additionally, Trump announced pardons for two men convicted of Clean Air Act violations.
Alaska pollster Ivan Moore noted a statewide decline in Trump's support mirroring national trends, suggesting the Senate race could hinge on voters who backed Trump in 2024 but are now uncertain. Moore described Trump's visit as "appropriate" but questioned its ultimate effectiveness, adding that he initially doubted the trip would occur.
The Trump administration had prioritized expanding oil and gas drilling in Alaska. Earlier, Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Fairbanks for Sullivan and Republican Representative Nick Begich. Sullivan had previously joined Trump in the Oval Office when the president announced a $54 billion investment by South Korea for the proposed gas project, though South Korea has not confirmed the finalization of the deal.
Trump's journey to Alaska, a state with a population of approximately 740,000, ranks it 48th nationally in population size. This trip comes after Trump held a rally in Anchorage in 2022 to oppose Senator Lisa Murkowski, who voted to convict him in his second impeachment trial following the January 6th Capitol attack. Trump had endorsed Kelly Tshibaka against Murkowski, but the incumbent ultimately won reelection.
At the Wasilla rally, attendees expressed interest in Trump's plans for inflation and gas prices. Max Christensen, 22, voiced support for Trump's presidency despite perceived flaws.
Trump has also voiced criticism of Alaska's unique election system, which includes open primaries and ranked-choice voting. This system has led to a situation where two candidates named Dan Sullivan are on the November ballot: Senator Dan Sullivan and retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan. Trump has actively campaigned against Dan J. Sullivan, whom he and his allies have labeled a sham candidate.
The rally also included support for Nick Begich, who faces a challenge from independent Bill Hill. Alaska has a history of supporting independent-minded candidates, a characteristic noted by Vance.
Concerns have also been raised regarding Trump's trade policies, particularly a trade war with Canada, a major trading partner for Alaska. Tariffs and retaliatory bans have the potential to increase consumer prices in the state, a prospect that pollster Moore described as "discomforting" for many Alaskans who feel a strong connection to their Canadian neighbors.