Indigenous peoples of the Americas

Alaska's U.S. Senate race, which could help decide Senate control, remains too close to call, with Democratic challenger Mary Peltola holding a razor-thin lead over incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan as absentee and rural votes are counted under the state's ranked-choice system. The contest is clouded by controversy over a second, little-known candidate also named Dan Sullivan, whom Republicans accuse Democratic operatives of recruiting to confuse voters; some voters have reported uncertainty over which candidate they selected. The Alaska Supreme Court upheld his right to run, and a federal judge dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit to block certification of a Peltola win, though the DOJ is appealing, prosecutors continue investigating, Peltola denies any scheme, and President Trump has said he will not challenge the results.

Maine Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Troy Jackson visited People's Inclusive Welding, a South Portland trade school, during a Labor Day weekend tour of working Mainers. Jackson praised the shop's inclusive approach and pledged support for apprenticeship programs, saying inclusion is key to improving conditions across the state and country. Shop owner Jo Remillard said the school's "inclusive" branding has complicated its eligibility for some federal workforce-training funding.

The school's handbook outlines a zero-tolerance policy covering discrimination including "fatphobia," alongside racism, sexism, and other forms of bias, and states police will not be called into the shop space. Remillard and board member Arlo Hennessey have spoken publicly about equity and representation gaps in the skilled trades.

Jackson became the Democratic nominee in July after Graham Platner withdrew amid a sexual assault allegation he denies. Jackson is challenging incumbent Sen. Susan Collins and has faced scrutiny over past conduct allegations and a legislative record including votes on gender-affirming care access and sex work decriminalization.