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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedOctober 25, 2026Miami-Dade County

Candidates Sullivan and Peltola campaign for Alaska Native voter support ahead of Senate election

Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan and former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola addressed the Alaska Federation of Natives conference in Anchorage to secure support from Alaska Native voters ahead of the November election. Both candidates highlighted endorsements from Native organizations, while outside figures discussed voting access challenges in remote communities and potential legal challenges regarding ballot confusion. The race remains closely watched nationally due to its implications for control of the U.S. Senate.

ElectionsIndigenous PeoplesEnergySenate
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Why It Matters

Alaska Native voters comprise roughly one-fifth of the state's population and are a key demographic in a nationally watched Senate race that could determine party control of the chamber.

Key Facts

  • Sen. Dan Sullivan and former Rep. Mary Peltola spoke at the Alaska Federation of Natives conference in Anchorage ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
  • The Alaska Federation of Natives did not issue endorsements this year, though it previously endorsed Peltola during her House races in 2022 and 2024.
  • Sealaska Corp. endorsed both Sullivan and Peltola.
  • President Donald Trump stated he instructed his administration to sue to block certification of the Senate race if the incumbent loses, citing potential confusion with another candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. on the ranked choice ballot.
  • U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated a lawsuit is necessary to determine if Alaskan voters were confused or misled by ballot listings.
  • Alaska Natives make up about one-fifth of the state's population and face voting challenges in remote areas, including late-opening polling locations and mail delays.
  • Sen. Sullivan highlighted his work on land allotments for Alaska Native Vietnam War-era veterans.
  • Mary Peltola emphasized the need for additional law enforcement resources to address missing and indigenous persons and expressed support for fisheries and subsistence fishing.
  • Energy costs and oil drilling are major issues for rural communities and Native leaders on the North Slope, with both candidates addressing resource development and energy prices.

Who's Mentioned

PersonBohrer“Reporter reporting from Juneau, Alaska”PersonDaniel J. Sullivan Jr.“Another candidate listed on the ranked choice ballot without a party designation”PersonDallas Goldtooth“Actor, activist, and speaker encouraging conference attendees to vote”otherArctic National Wildlife RefugelocationAlaska“State where the U.S. Senate race is taking place”PersonMary Peltola“Democratic former U.S. Representative running for Senate”PersonSheri Buretta“Board chair of Chugach Alaska Corp.”OrganizationAlaska Federation of Natives“Organization that hosted the conference in Anchorage”OrganizationSealaska Corp.“Regional Native corporation in southeast Alaska that endorsed both candidates”PersonJoe Biden“Former Democratic President whose administration sought to restrict drilling”locationIran“Country involved in ongoing conflict affecting energy costs”locationAnchorage“City where the Alaska Federation of Natives conference took place”otherNational Petroleum Reserve-AlaskaPersonTodd Blanche“U.S. Attorney General who wrote about the necessity of a lawsuit regarding voter”PersonDonald Trump“President who held a rally for Sullivan and called for a lawsuit regarding elect”PersonDan Sullivan“Republican U.S. Senator running for reelection”locationJuneau“City in Alaska”OrganizationChugach Alaska Corp.“Alaska Native corporation”