Elections
Republicans grow anxious over Dan Sullivan’s reelection odds in Alaska
PN Team • 3 weeks ago
Three weeks before Election Day, President Trump traveled to Alaska's Matanuska-Susitna Valley on an extensive, multi-leg trip to rally support for Republicans and boost the reelection campaign of Sen. Dan Sullivan. Despite the show of support and heavy outside spending, Sullivan faces a tighter-than-expected race against Democrat Mary Peltola, a former U.S. House member popular with Alaska's large bloc of independent voters. The Cook Political Report has shifted its rating of the race from Lean Republican to Toss Up.
Alaska strategists and voters note that Trump's approval rating in the state has slipped, and independents outnumber registered Republicans and Democrats combined, complicating turnout math for the GOP. Veteran strategist Scott Kendall, who has worked on Sen. Lisa Murkowski's campaigns, described Trump's influence as "both a blessing and a curse" for Sullivan. Alaska's ranked-choice voting system adds further complications, including confusion tied to a minor candidate dubbed "Decoy Dan," as Sullivan and Peltola prepare to debate ahead of an election Sullivan argues could decide control of the Senate.
Sources:
Sentiment
- Mary Peltola Peltola is portrayed favorably as a popular, competitive candidate benefiting from independent support.
- Dan Sullivan (U.S. senator) Sullivan is portrayed as facing a tighter-than-expected, potentially vulnerable reelection race despite Trump's backing.
- Republican Party (United States) Republicans are described as anxious over a tightening race that could jeopardize their Senate seat.
- Democratic Party (United States) Mentioned as Peltola's party, benefiting slightly from her favorable positioning in the race.
- Donald Trump Trump's visit and declining approval in Alaska are described as a mixed blessing, complicating Sullivan's chances.
- United States Senate Mentioned factually as the body whose control is at stake in this race.
- Alaska Alaska is the setting of the race, described factually regarding its political dynamics.