General Discussion

Peltola Senate challenge draws national battle lines as Murkowski backs Sullivan

Both parties mobilize within hours of announcement; Democrats see Alaska as potential pickup

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/01/12/murkowski-backs-sullivan-hours-after-peltola-announces-senate-challenge/

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, backed Republican Dan Sullivan over her longtime ally Mary Peltola on Monday, as the former Democratic congresswoman’s Senate challenge quickly drew both parties into what could become one of Alaska’s most competitive races in years.

Within hours of Peltola’s early-morning announcement, political battle lines formed: Murkowski endorsed Sullivan despite previously supporting Peltola, while national Democrats — including Senate Majority PAC and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren — signaled they see Alaska as a potential pickup opportunity in the 2026 midterms.

“We’ve had a pretty solid team here in the Senate for the past 12 years, so we want to figure out how we’re going to keep in the majority,” Murkowski told Alaska Public Media. “And Dan delivers that.” Murkowski’s decision didn’t come easily. She previously told the Northern Journal that a Peltola Senate run would put her “in a difficult spot.”

“I wish Mary well, she is my long-time friend,” Murkowski said in a statement to Alaska’s News Source Monday. “That said, I have worked closely and effectively with Senator Sullivan for the past 12 years, and I strongly believe that a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate is in Alaska’s best interests. I will be supporting Dan’s re-election - just as I did in 2014 and 2020.”

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