Alaska’s U.S. Senate candidates Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) and former Rep. Mary Peltola (D) engaged in a heated debate Thursday, trading accusations over ethics, energy policy, and foreign affairs in the final showdown before the November midterm elections. The event, broadcast live from Anchorage, highlighted the tight race that political analysts now rate as a toss-up, reflecting Alaska’s shifting electoral dynamics.
Key developments from the debate:
- Peltola criticized Sullivan for his tenure as a U.S. senator, accusing him of being a Washington insider who prioritizes corporate interests over Alaskan needs. She highlighted his $475,000 earnings in 2023 as a lobbyist after leaving state office, framing it as evidence of a "rigged system."
- Sullivan countered by attacking Peltola’s post-congressional career, alleging she cashed in on her political experience by establishing a lobbying firm shortly after leaving the state legislature. He described her as emblematic of a "revolving door" between public service and private gain.
The debate also featured sharp exchanges on Iran policy, with Peltola arguing that the ongoing conflict is driving up energy costs for Alaskans, while Sullivan asserted that increasing domestic energy production is the solution. On Social Security reform, Peltola accused Sullivan of supporting cuts, a claim he denied, stating his focus is on preserving the program. The candidates further sparred over military spending, healthcare policy, and allegations of misconduct, with both sides accusing the other of dishonesty.
Ethics and lobbying accusations take center stage
Peltola opened the debate by framing Sullivan as a career politician disconnected from Alaskan priorities. "My opponent keeps talking about corporate greed again; she defines the rigged system in D.C.," Sullivan responded, pointing to Peltola’s lobbying income. He added, "There’s nothing more rigged than a member of Congress getting fired and then immediately walking through the revolving door to cash in." Peltola dismissed his remarks as deflection, stating, "You’re walking through the revolving door so much, you must be getting dizzy up here."
Sullivan’s team seized on Peltola’s use of notecards during the debate, with the senator posting on social media: "Really, Mary? Reading off a script? You can’t cue-card your way through the Senate." Critics, including Republican operatives, mocked her reliance on notes, with one social media user writing, "Mary Peltola can’t read her name or that she’s a grandmother without needing a cue card." Peltola defended her preparation, stating it was standard practice for candidates to review key points.
Foreign policy and domestic concerns dominate exchanges
The candidates clashed over Iran’s role in global energy markets, with Peltola arguing that the war’s escalation is directly harming Alaskan households. "This war is driving up our energy bills and hurting Alaskans with no end in sight," she said. Sullivan countered that domestic energy production—including oil and gas development in Alaska—is the most effective way to stabilize prices. He also emphasized the need to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, stating, "The Strait of Hormuz must remain open."
On Social Security, Peltola accused Sullivan of supporting benefit cuts, a claim he refuted. "I have never supported cutting Social Security," Sullivan said, though he did not elaborate on his alternative proposals. The debate also touched on healthcare costs, with Peltola blaming federal policies for rising prices, while Sullivan warned that Democratic leadership would "undercut the military and curb domestic energy production."
Race remains tight as Election Day approaches
Political analysts now rate the Alaska Senate race as a toss-up, a shift from Alaska’s traditional Republican lean. The race has drawn national attention due to its potential impact on control of the U.S. Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. Both candidates have framed the election as a referendum on their respective visions for Alaska’s economic future, with energy policy emerging as a defining issue.
The debate concluded without a clear consensus on key policy disputes, leaving voters to weigh the candidates’ competing claims on ethics, foreign affairs, and domestic priorities. Early voting in Alaska begins Friday, with Election Day set for November 5.