Mary Peltola, the former representative of Alaska in the U.S. House, recently faced a setback in her political career after losing her reelection bid last year. The defeat came by a narrow margin of less than 3 percentage points, which is particularly significant in a state that overwhelmingly supported President Donald Trump in the last election cycle. Political experts see this close outcome as a testament to Peltola’s strong candidacy, making her a coveted prospect for future elections.
Political consultant Jim Lottsfeldt remarked that many national Democrats are eager for Peltola to consider a run against incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan in the upcoming election cycle. He said, “I’ve been asked by some famous ones, by some less famous ones, ‘What can you do to convince her?’” Despite the national interest in her potential Senate run, many Alaskans within the Democratic Party believe Peltola is the best-suited candidate for the governorship, as current Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy is unable to seek reelection due to term limits.
Tom Begich, a former state senator from Anchorage, expressed his support for Peltola, stating, “If she chooses to run for either U.S. House or U.S. Senate, I will absolutely run for governor.” He added that if she opts for the gubernatorial race, he would support her candidacy.
Peltola herself remains contemplative about her options, at least for now. Earlier this year, she took a position with Holland & Hart, a national law and lobbying firm, where she collaborates with her former chief of staff, Anton McParland. Elisa Rios, Peltola’s former campaign manager, has indicated that Peltola has yet to decide whether to pursue the governor’s office, challenge Sullivan for the Senate seat, or attempt to reclaim her seat in the House.
“It’s really just where she can make the greatest impact for Alaskans,” Rios explained. As the filing deadline for the 2026 elections is not until June 1, analysts suggest that Peltola has the luxury of time to make a contemplative decision about her political future. Joelle Hall, president of the Alaska AFL-CIO, emphasized Peltola’s steadfast position stating, “Is waiting, in any way, a problem for Mary? Absolutely not. She can decide on her own terms.”
Peltola’s experience in winning elections is impressive; she was elected twice to the U.S. House in quick succession in 2022 following the death of her longtime Republican predecessor, Don Young. In those elections, Peltola unseated former Governor Sarah Palin, which marked a significant victory not only for her but also for the representation of Alaska Natives in Congress. During her time in the House, Peltola championed a centrist political agenda that resonated with many Alaskans, advocating for issues such as abortion rights and environmental conservation while also supporting major mining and oil projects.
2023 was a particularly challenging year for Peltola as it marked the tragic death of her husband, Buzzy Peltola, who died in a plane crash. Despite these personal difficulties, she ran for reelection last year but ultimately lost to Republican candidate Nick Begich III by 2.5 percentage points, a closely contested race that highlights her continued relevance as a political figure in Alaska.
Since her defeat, Peltola has maintained a lower profile but has begun to re-engage with the public. Notably, on July 1, she chose to respond to a vote by Senator Sullivan in favor of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” In her social media post, Peltola asserted, “We can not secure Alaska’s future by increasing healthcare and energy costs for regular Alaskans, so millionaires, like many of my former colleagues in Congress, and their billionaire donors, can get even richer.”
Peltola also graced the Anchorage Pride Parade as its grand marshal, showcasing her continued commitment to social issues that resonate with many Alaskan residents. Her 100% name recognition and higher favorability ratings compared to all three members of Alaska’s congressional delegation signal her potential to mobilize support in another race.
Political analysts like Jessica Taylor, who specializes in tracking Senate races for the Cook Political Report, suggest that Peltola’s candidacy could significantly alter the dynamics of the race against Sullivan. Taylor stated, “I think Sullivan would certainly not want to run against her, because she’s won statewide before.”
If Peltola were to decide to run for U.S. Senate, not only would she be vying for a six-year term but also face the challenges of logistics, including a lengthy commute to Washington D.C. each week. Additionally, a Senate campaign may entail significant funding from conservative groups targeting her campaign, complicating her role at Holland & Hart, given that some of their clients influence legislation in Congress. This encompassed Sullivan’s office as well, where her former chief of staff had reportedly visited in a professional capacity.
On the other hand, the governor’s race appears to be more favorable for Peltola, as she would be stepping into a scenario without an incumbent, making the field open for her candidacy. With several Republicans already declaring their intent to run, the only one with statewide experience so far is Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom.
In closing, Lottsfeldt noted, “When she enters, it’s going to be Snow White versus the seven dwarfs,” referring to the competitive landscape awaiting Peltola should she enter the gubernatorial race. Despite his personal interests in high-profile congressional campaigns, he emphasized the urgent need for effective leadership in Alaska, stating, “The state is failing. The need for a governor is our highest priority right now.”
image source from：alaskapublic
