In her first general-election ad on Aug. 19, Peltola, shown against an Alaskan backdrop with her hair down and wearing a scarf, stressed independence from both parties and signaled she’ll challenge anyone who opposes her. Observers say her position reflects the difficulty of linking to national figures after Alaska voted heavily against Harris in 2024.
Political outlets call the race highly competitive; Peltola, a former tribal judge who served Alaska’s at-large seat from August 2022 to January 2025 and who beat Sarah Palin in 2022, may be the strongest Democratic challenger Sullivan has faced for a third term.