Peltola leads by nearly four points, but Alaska senate race between Sullivan and Mary Peltola still counting votes
Peltola leads in latest count
Friday’s incomplete tally put Democrat Mary Peltola at 49.8 percent of the vote, nearly four percentage points ahead of Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan. The count was continuing, and officials had not called the contest.
A New York Times analysis said Peltola was on track to prevail. The race is the only Senate contest still undecided in a midterm cycle marked by sweeping Democratic victories.
Ranked-choice tabulation possible
The candidates could face a ranked-choice tabulation next week if neither receives an outright majority. Both advanced from an August nonpartisan primary, where they competed against two other candidates.
Alaska’s ranked-choice system is one reason the final result may take time. The state also allows a period for mailed ballots to arrive and be counted.
Sullivan campaign awaits ballots
Nate Adams, a spokesman for Sullivan, said Friday night that the campaign was waiting for all ballots to be counted. He added, “And we’ll see what happens from there.” Sullivan is a two-term incumbent, while Peltola is a former congresswoman. The result remains pending as Alaska continues its count.
Key points
- Peltola held 49.8 percent in incomplete results Friday night.
- She led Sullivan by nearly four percentage points.
- If neither candidate wins a majority, ranked-choice tabulation is expected next week.
- Mail ballot timing and Alaska’s voting system contribute to the delay.