Sullivan, Peltola seek support from Alaska Native voters ahead of crucial Senate race

The major candidates in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race are both casting themselves as strong voices on Alaska Native issues as they seek support from the key constituency ahead of the Nov. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A little more than one week before the midterm elections, the leading candidates in Alaska’s U.S.

Senate race are trying to rally support from Alaska Native voters, a key constituency. Dan Sullivan and Democratic former Rep. Mary Peltola spoke at this week’s Alaska Federation of Natives conference in Anchorage.

The organization previously endorsed Peltola, who is Yup’ik, during her House races in 2022 and 2024, but it did not issue endorsements this year. Both candidates have highlighted support from Native organizations and leaders ahead of the Nov. Sealaska Corp., a regional Native corporation in southeast Alaska, has endorsed both of them, calling it a way to “honor their contributions and commitment to our communities, and to honor the diverse positions of our shareholders.” The race is among the most closely watched nationally, with control of the Senate at stake.

On Friday, President Donald Trump — who held a rally in support of Sullivan earlier this month — said he told his administration to sue to block certification of the race if the incumbent loses. The lawsuit cites potential confusion with another candidate who is listed on the ranked choice ballot as Daniel J. Sullivan is listed as a Republican and the incumbent, while Sullivan Jr.

is listed without a party designation. Attorney General Todd Blanche wrote on social media that the lawsuit is necessary to make sure officials “have the information necessary to make a determination as to whether Alaskan voters were confused or mislead.” Alaskan Natives represent about one-fifth of the state’s population, but they can face challenges to voting in remote communities. Advocates have raised concerns in recent years with polling locations in some villages opening late or ballots not arriving on time to be fully counted due to mail delays.

There’s also cynicism about whether participating in elections will make a difference. “There’s legitimate hesitations about whether whoever they vote for is actually going to impact them,” said actor and activist Dallas Goldtooth, who is Bdewakantunwan Dakota and Dine and came to Alaska to encourage conference attendees to vote. “And our job is to say, hey, whether that matters or not, there’s an opportunity for you to make sure that your voice is counted.