Peltola pulls ahead of Sullivan in Alaska Senate primary as votes are counted
Alaska's nonpartisan primary for the U.S. Senate shows Democrat Mary Peltola ahead of incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan as ballots are tallied, with about two‑thirds of votes reported. The contest will advance the top four finishers to the November ballot, and the next spots appear to belong to Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. and Gerald L. Heikes. A second Republican candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan remains on the ballot after a state Supreme Court ruling, raising concerns about voter confusion. The race has drawn national attention as it could influence the Senate's partisan balance.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning outlets covered this 28h later
- Right-leaning coverage is the most divided on this story
Why it matters
The outcome will shape Alaska's representation in the Senate and could affect the overall balance of power in Congress.
How this story developed
- Aug 17 California special election pits progressive Wahab against moderate Hernandez after Swalwell scandal
- Aug 17 Days before Alaska’s Senate primary, candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign confirmed that longtime adviser Anton McParland is no longer on staff, sparking concerns about the race.
- Aug 18 Florida's primary elections feature a historic Black Republican gubernatorial candidate and a crowded Democratic field, while both parties gauge Donald Trump's influence in the state.
- Aug 18 Byron Donalds announced his run for governor, triggering a crowded primary for his congressional seat.
- Aug 19 Primary results now show Mary Peltola leading Dan Sullivan.
- Aug 19 State Rep. Angie Nixon, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, secured the Democratic nomination by defeating well-funded retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman. The victory prompted Sabato’s Crystal Ball to shift its outlook, now rating incumbent Sen. Ashley Moody’s race as a safe Republican win. Moody holds roughly $8.4 million in cash, while Nixon has under $300,000. Analysts note the stark fundraising gap will make a statewide campaign challenging for the challenger. The race follows a history of Republican dominance in Florida’s Senate contests.
- Aug 19 A bipartisan coalition has secured permission to begin collecting signatures for a 2028 ballot measure to repeal California’s top‑two primary.
- Aug 19 Angie Nixon announced her affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America this year.
- Aug 20 Angie Nixon defeated Alex Vindman to win the Democratic Senate nomination.
- Aug 20 Wahab won the special election, securing the seat for the remainder of the term.
- Aug 21 Wahab secured 53.1% of the vote with 95% of ballots counted.
- Aug 21 Bernie Sanders publicly endorsed Angie Nixon.
- Aug 21 A super PAC linked to AIPAC spent roughly $2.5 million supporting Hernandez.
- Aug 22 Former Republican David Jolly secured the Democratic nomination for governor.
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