Alaska’s U.S. Senate race between incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democratic former Rep. Mary Peltola remains uncalled more than a week after Election Day, with 88% of votes counted as of the latest tally. Peltola holds a 5,800-vote lead, securing 49.2% of the vote (125,157 votes) compared to Sullivan’s 47% (119,357 votes). Two other candidates, Republican Gerald Heikes (2.2%, 5,490 votes) and independent Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. (1.7%, 4,199 votes), trail behind.
Election officials continue processing absentee ballots and preparing for a potential ranked-choice tabulation if no candidate surpasses 50% of the vote. Alaska’s deadline for accepting domestic mail ballots is November 13, while overseas ballots may arrive until November 18. State officials anticipate a final result by November 18, when all eligible ballots are expected to be counted.
Logistical challenges delay results
Alaska’s vast geography and limited road infrastructure complicate ballot collection and counting. Regional airlines, including Alaska Seaplanes, transport ballots across remote areas, with officials emphasizing the complexity of ensuring all votes are counted accurately. "We feel like we're part of the last leg of that journey of those ballots," said Andy Kline, marketing director of Alaska Seaplanes.
Ranked-choice voting system in play
Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system, adopted in 2020, requires candidates to secure a majority to win outright. If no candidate reaches 50%, the lowest-performing candidate is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on voter preferences until a winner emerges. This system applies to both primaries and general elections, with all candidates appearing on a single ballot regardless of party affiliation.
Campaign responses and expectations
Peltola’s campaign expressed confidence in her path to victory. Cheryl Bruce, campaign manager for Alaskans for Mary, stated in a statement: "As more ballots get counted, it’s clear that Mary’s victory is all but guaranteed, and Alaskans have resoundingly rejected Dan Sullivan’s D.C. self-dealing." The campaign highlighted Peltola’s lead in recent ballot drops, particularly in Anchorage, Juneau, and rural Alaska, as indicative of her momentum.
Sullivan’s campaign has not publicly commented on the latest vote count or the potential for ranked-choice tabulation. The race remains one of the most closely watched contests in the 2022 midterms, with national implications for control of the U.S. Senate.
Key deadlines and next steps
- November 13: Deadline for domestic mail ballots postmarked by Election Day.
- November 18: Deadline for overseas ballots; officials expect to finalize results.
- Potential ranked-choice tabulation: If no candidate reaches 50%, the process could extend beyond November 18.
The outcome of this race will determine whether Alaska’s Senate delegation remains split between parties or shifts to a Democratic majority in the chamber.