Sullivan and Peltola Clash Over Iran War and High Prices in Alaska Senate Debate/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola clashed over the Iran war, rising prices and their records during an Alaska Senate debate. The candidates traded accusations of dishonesty while offering different approaches to energy costs, military policy and relations with U.S. allies. The closely watched contest could help determine Senate control, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance campaigning for Sullivan.
Quick Look
- Iran disagreement: Sullivan called for an end to the war and a nuclear agreement; Peltola said a deal remained distant.
- Energy costs: Peltola blamed the war for higher bills, while Sullivan advocated more Alaska energy production.
- Ukraine dispute: Peltola criticized Trump’s Russian diesel deal; Sullivan emphasized his support for Ukraine.
- Personal attacks: Both candidates accused the other of dishonesty or misleading voters.
- Shared position: Both rejected the possibility of a third Trump presidential term.
- Election system: Four candidates advanced from Alaska’s open primary to its ranked-choice general election.
Deep Look
Alaska Senate Candidates Clash Over Iran and Affordability
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democratic challenger Mary Peltola sparred over the Iran war, rising household costs and personal credibility Thursday in a debate carrying national implications for Senate control.
Sullivan, seeking a third term, said the war needed to end soon. He called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and securing an agreement preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Peltola, a former congresswoman, said such an agreement was “so far out of sight” and lamented the deaths of 20 military personnel.
“This war is driving up our energy bills and hurting Alaskans with no end in sight,” she said.
Sullivan argued that the best way to reduce energy costs “is to produce more Alaskan energy by and for Alaskans.”
Candidates Offer Competing Explanations for Rising Prices
The debate reflected arguments playing out in Senate races nationwide.
Peltola blamed the Trump administration for higher gasoline and consumer prices and criticized its approach to longstanding international alliances.
Sullivan warned that Democratic control of Congress would weaken military readiness and restrict domestic energy production.
Those disagreements unfolded amid voter frustration over the Iran war, expensive gasoline and diesel, and the broader cost of living — issues that have made control of both congressional chambers competitive.
Debate Turns Personal With Accusations of Dishonesty
The candidates repeatedly questioned each other’s credibility during the event at Alaska Public Media’s studios.
“I think that Alaskans have had it up to here with the lying and the dishonesty,” Peltola said, addressing Sullivan.
Sullivan repeatedly accused Peltola of lying during the campaign and said “it’s revealed character challenges.”
Peltola appeared to consult note cards during several answers. At one point, Sullivan questioned the moderators, saying he did not believe candidates were supposed to receive questions in advance.
A moderator said they had not received the questions beforehand.
Outside the studios, supporters of both candidates gathered with signs and at least one bullhorn.
Ukraine and Russian Diesel Deal Produce Sharp Exchange
Asked about Ukraine and Trump’s agreement to purchase Russian diesel, Peltola emphasized support for Kyiv and traditional U.S. partners.
“I think it’s so important that we stand with Ukraine and our allies. We have been making new adversaries out of our traditional allies across the globe.”
“I think we should be doing everything in our power to help support them, not bolstering up Russia,” she added.
Sullivan said he strongly supported Ukraine, then criticized Democrats for “cutting our military, undermining readiness.”
Trump and Vance Visits Highlight National Stakes
Trump campaigned for Sullivan in conservative Wasilla on Tuesday.
Vance visited Fairbanks, the hometown of Sullivan’s wife, the previous week.
The visits underscored the importance Republicans place on defending the seat as both parties compete for control of the closely divided Senate.
Alaska last elected a Democrat to the Senate in 2008.
Both Candidates Reject a Third Trump Term
The candidates briefly agreed when asked about the possibility of Trump seeking a third presidential term.
Sullivan said that would be unconstitutional.
Peltola said the law was clear: “Two terms for every president.”
Ranked-Choice Race Includes Another Dan Sullivan
Two other Republicans are also on the general-election ballot, although both have done virtually no campaigning.
One is retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan, whose candidacy drew attention before the August primary because he shares the incumbent’s name.
The senator and his allies, including Trump, have described him as a sham candidate.
Dan J. Sullivan finished third in the primary with approximately 2.5% of the votebelow the 5% threshold required to participate in Thursday’s debate. He said he had received no invitations to candidate forums.
Under Alaska’s system, the four leading candidates in the open primary advance regardless of party affiliation. The general election uses ranked-choice voting.
Peltola finished ahead of the incumbent in August.
Sullivan Criticizes Peltola’s Record as She Defends Their Cooperation
Sullivan, a retired Marine, said the election would be decided by the candidates’ records, visions and character.
After the debate, he criticized Peltola’s effectiveness during her time in Congress.
“I saw her up close and personal. It wasn’t pretty,” he told reporters.
Peltola offered a different account in an interview Wednesdaysaying they had worked effectively together within Alaska’s three-member congressional delegation.
She described Sullivan’s criticism as “kind of revisionist history.”
“Our delegation worked so well together the two years that I was there,” she said.
As an example, she cited approval of the major Willow oil project in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.
Peltola won both special and regular elections for Alaska’s sole House seat in 2022 before losing reelection in 2024.
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