ANCHORAGE, AK — Thursday’s Debate for the State marked the final scheduled head-to-head debate of Alaska’s 2026 U.S. Senate election cycle, following Mary Peltola’s decision not to participate in four of the five October debates and candidate forums Senator Dan S. Sullivan (R-Alaska) publicly committed to attending.
On September 16, Senator Sullivan announced his participation in five additional debates and forums across Alaska, providing voters with ample opportunities to hear directly from both candidates about their records and priorities for representing Alaska in the U.S. Senate. Peltola chose to continue hiding in her bunker and declining invitations, limiting opportunities for Alaskans to hear directly from both candidates.
The Sullivan campaign’s announced October debate schedule included:
- October 7: Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce U.S. Senate Forum, KSRM Radio — No Show Peltola declined.
- October 14: Alaska Landmine U.S. Senate Debate, presented by AARP Alaska — No Show Peltola declined.
- October 15: Debate for the State, hosted by Alaska Public Media and KTUU/Alaska’s News Source — Senator Sullivan participated… Peltola cue carded her way through the debate, reading the answers her staff prepared for her in every answer.
- October 16: Alaska Chamber U.S. Senate Candidate Forum, Girdwood — No Show Peltola declined.
- October 20: Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Debate — No Show Peltola declined.
No additional head-to-head debates between Senator Sullivan and Peltola are currently planned before Election Day on November 3.
Additionally, Senator Sullivan is scheduled to attend the Alaska Federation of Natives convention, where he has been invited to provide a legislative update, continuing a tradition he has maintained throughout his time in the U.S. Senate.
Sullivan campaign spokesperson Nate Adams issued the following statement regarding the senator’s participation in the convention:
“As he’s done every year since his time as a U.S. Senator, Senator Sullivan is honored to be invited to provide a legislative update at the AFN convention and highlighting his long record of working with Alaska Native communities across the state to deliver real results. He and his wife Julie also look forward to reconnecting with many friends and family members and meeting new friends at the convention. It’s a highlight of their year.”
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