Incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan holds a narrow lead over Democratic challenger Mary Peltola in Alaska’s Senate race, according to unofficial results from the Alaska Division of Elections. As of Wednesday morning, Sullivan led with 48.7% (97,411 votes) to Peltola’s 47.5% (94,941 votes), with two other candidates—Republican Gerald L. Heikes (2.1%) and independent Daniel J. Sullivan (1.7%)—trailing behind. The race remains unresolved as neither candidate has secured more than 50% of the vote, triggering Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system.
Ranked-choice tabulation begins in 15 days, prolonging the uncertainty. The process will eliminate the weakest candidate and redistribute second-choice votes until a majority is achieved. Both campaigns acknowledged the extended timeline. Peltola stated, "The results are not going to be fast," while Sullivan told supporters, "We’re going to have a long night... We’re probably going to have some long weeks."
Alaska’s Senate race significance
The outcome will determine the size of the Democratic Senate majority, which has already been projected by multiple outlets. A Peltola win would mark the first Democratic Senate seat in Alaska since 2014 and provide Democrats a foothold in a state carried by former President Trump in all three of his campaigns. A Sullivan victory would narrow the Democratic majority, giving Republicans a stronger base for future elections.
Ranked-choice voting process
Alaska’s ranked-choice system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate reaches 50% in the initial count, the lowest-performing candidate is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on voters’ second choices. This continues until one candidate secures a majority. The final tabulation is scheduled for 15 days after Election Day, meaning results may not be finalized for weeks.
Legal and procedural controversies
Peltola’s campaign faced allegations of involvement in the inclusion of an independent candidate with a similar name to the incumbent, Daniel J. Sullivan, which some argued could confuse voters. Peltola denied any involvement, and the controversy led to lawsuits and investigations. A federal lawsuit challenging the results was dismissed, but the Justice Department has indicated plans to appeal.
Other unresolved Senate races
The Mississippi Senate race between Democrat Scott Colom and Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith also remains too close to call, with both candidates at 48.9%. An independent candidate, Ty Pinkins, holds 2.1%. If Colom wins, he would become Mississippi’s first Black senator since Reconstruction.
Campaign statements
Both Peltola and Sullivan emphasized patience as the counting process unfolds. Peltola noted that Alaskans are accustomed to extended vote counts, while Sullivan framed the race as a prolonged effort requiring sustained support from voters.