With 97% of votes counted, Alaska senate race unresolved as candidates expect weekslong ballot counting process
Alaska count remains underway
The contest has drawn attention in part because two candidates are named Dan Sullivan. As of Sunday, Nov. 15, 97% of the vote had been counted, and the race was leaning Democratic in CBS News estimates, with Peltola’s lead increasing.
How ranked-choice voting works
Alaska voters may rank any number of candidates, or choose not to rank them, in order of preference. If no candidate receives more than 50% of voters’ first-choice support, counting moves to a second round. A woman quoted in the report said Alaskans are patient and warned that the wait would last weeks, not hours or days.
Senate control already decided
Democrats have already won enough seats to take control of the Senate, including victories in several states President Trump won by double digits in 2024. Alaska is the last Senate race awaiting a result. Mississippi’s seat was decided earlier, going to Democrat Scott Colom by a narrow margin.
Key points
- The Alaska Senate race remained unresolved with 97% of votes counted as of Nov. 15.
- CBS News estimates showed the race leaning Democratic, with Peltola’s lead growing.
- Ranked-choice voting could send the count to a second round.
- Democrats have secured Senate control, but Alaska remains the final race to be decided.