Sullivan and Peltola Await Final Vote Count in Tight Alaska Senate Race

The outcome of the Alaska U.S. Senate race remained undecided late Tuesday night as the two major candidates urged their supporters to wait for the final count.

Two-term Republican Senator Dan Sullivan and Democratic former Representative Mary Peltola addressed crowds in separate events, projecting confidence while acknowledging the delay in official results. The race, which Democrats had previously projected would be a key factor in Senate control, saw a shift in momentum during the early returns. Sullivan held a lead over Peltola at certain points in the night, though both candidates fell below the 50% plus one threshold of first-choice votes needed to win outright under Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system.

President Donald Trump traveled to Alaska to rally for Sullivan, directing attention to a third candidate, retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan. Trump labeled the lesser-known candidate “fake” and instructed the Justice Department to sue to block certification if the incumbent lost, pending an investigation into voter confusion. The Justice Department filed the lawsuit less than two weeks before the election, but a federal judge dismissed it. The department has since appealed the decision.

The presence of Dan J. Sullivan, who finished in the top four in the August open primary with 2.5% of the vote, dominated the final days of the campaign. Reports indicated that Peltola’s campaign was involved in efforts to recruit him, reviving suspicions that his candidacy was designed to confuse voters. Peltola denied any involvement, and Dan J. Sullivan, who resides in Petersburg, stated he had no contact with Peltola’s team. He had not returned messages in the days leading up to the election.

During her election night speech, Peltola referenced the controversy, telling the crowd they were “smart people and know exactly who they’re voting for.” The Justice Department confirmed a criminal investigation last week, though Alaska U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman did not specify the crimes or targets under scrutiny. Donors to Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign reported that FBI agents asked them if they felt deceived by the candidate’s bid.

The ballot listed the incumbent as Dan S. Sullivan, Republican, and the challenger as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., with no party affiliation. Senator Sullivan called the situation “the biggest election cheating scandal in the history of the state of Alaska” after voting in Anchorage. He questioned Peltola’s denials, stating, “The whole scheme treats all of us Alaskans with disrespect.”

Alaska law allows overseas voters to submit ballots postmarked by Election Day for up to 15 days after the vote. November 18 is the deadline for the final receipt of these ballots and the completion of tabulations. If no candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, the system will proceed to ranked-choice counting. Both Sullivan and Peltola are currently below that 50% mark.

Peltola maintained an upbeat demeanor during her event, taking selfies with attendees. She noted that the results would not be fast, citing the need to count votes from remote communities and service members overseas. Sullivan told his supporters that the final tally would take time but expressed confidence in his reelection prospects.

The race is expected to remain a focal point for national parties as officials work to determine whether ranked-choice voting will be triggered. The final outcome will depend on the remaining returns and the subsequent allocation of lower-ranked votes if necessary.