“To hell with politics … put Alaska first.” Inspired by Ted Stevens, Mary Peltola is running for U.S. Senate to fight for local fisheries, affordable groceries, and strong Alaska communities. Photo courtesy of Mary Peltola.
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
Mary Peltola Announces Run for U.S. Senate (Primary Sources Only)
Mary Peltola, former U.S. Representative from Alaska, announces her candidacy for the U.S. Senate on January 11, 2026, through her campaign’s official press release and video. Peltola emphasizes her firsthand experience with the challenges Alaskans face, particularly in fisheries, cost of living, and rural community life.
In her campaign materials, Peltola frames her candidacy around Alaskans taking care of Alaskans, highlighting that “no one from the Lower 48 is coming to save us.” She calls for a return to Alaska-first leadership reminiscent of former Senator Ted Stevens, quoting him directly: “To hell with politics. Put Alaska first.” Peltola emphasizes local economic and cultural issues, the decline in fish stocks, and high grocery prices in rural communities as core concerns motivating her campaign. (marypeltola.com)
Peltola’s campaign stresses her Alaska roots and community experience: summers spent at fish camp with her family, raising seven children with her husband Buzzy, and maintaining a strong connection to subsistence lifestyles. She highlights that Alaska’s challenges require practical, on-the-ground solutions, not the priorities of out-of-state politicians.
Peltola served in the U.S. House from 2022 until her narrow loss in 2024. Her campaign launch materials emphasize her identity as a Yup’ik Alaskan and reference her connection to subsistence fishing and family life as central themes in her campaign narrative.
Incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan
Photo: Courtesy Dan Sullivan for Alaska / dansullivanforalaska.com
Incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan and GOP Response
Senator Dan Sullivan (R‑AK) is seeking re-election to a third term. His official Senate press office highlights ongoing legislative efforts including healthcare funding, fisheries management, and rural infrastructure. As of this morning, the office has not issued a direct statement responding to Peltola’s campaign launch.
The Alaska Republican Party released a strongly worded response to Peltola’s announcement, framing it as an attack ad‑style critique of her record in Congress. The party argues that Peltola was “one of the most ineffective members of Congress,” voting lockstep with Democrats, supporting what they call “leftist, anti-Alaska policies,” and failing to advance legislation. They specifically highlight her stance on energy policy and Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) drilling under the Biden administration as areas of concern. The statement concludes by endorsing Sullivan as a proven “Alaska First” leader and calls for voters to support his re-election. (alaskagop.net)
The tone and detail of the Alaska GOP statement suggest that they view Peltola’s candidacy as a serious challenge, emphasizing her record and contrasting it with Sullivan’s achievements in office.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Election
Alaskans will vote in the primary election on August 18, 2026, which under the state’s ranked-choice voting system will determine who advances to the general election. Based on official candidate filings and campaign announcements, the leading candidates for the U.S. Senate seat are Mary Peltola (D) and Dan Sullivan (R). Peltola’s campaign emphasizes Alaskan self-reliance and systemic change in Washington, while Sullivan and the Alaska GOP emphasize energy dominance, legislative accomplishments, and Alaska-first leadership.
The general election, scheduled for November 5, 2026, will ultimately decide whether Peltola’s message of local resilience and economic reform resonates with voters or whether Sullivan’s record and incumbency advantage maintain Republican control of the seat.
