Alaska Senate Race Remains Too Close To Call As Counting Enters Weeks

Incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan and Democratic challenger Mary Peltola remain too close to call in the Alaska Senate race as of Wednesday morning. The contest includes two additional candidates, independent Daniel J. Sullivan and Republican Gerald Heikes. According to estimates, approximately three-quarters of the vote has been counted, yet the margin is insufficient to declare a winner.

The delay stems from Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system. Voters can rank candidates in order of preference, and if no single candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, the tabulation proceeds to a second round. This second-stage count does not begin until 15 days after Election Day. Consequently, the final results could take weeks to determine rather than hours or days.

Mary Peltola addressed reporters early on Wednesday, acknowledging the length of the process. She stated, "The results are not going to be fast." Peltola noted that residents in the Lower 48 should expect a multi-week wait. "We just want to make sure the folks [in] the Lower 48 know it won't be hours, it won't be days, it will be weeks," she said.

Senator Sullivan communicated a similar timeline to his supporters. He emphasized, "We're going to have a long night," and added, "We're probably going to have some long weeks." The uncertainty in this race coincides with another unresolved Senate contest in a different state.

The outcome in Alaska carries weight for the Senate’s balance of power. Democrats have already secured enough seats to form a majority by winning in several states that President Trump won by double digits in 2024. A Democratic win in Alaska would expand that majority, while a Republican hold would limit the extent of Democratic gains.