Mary Peltola, a Democrat running to represent Alaska in the U.S. Senate, raised more than three times the amount raised by Republican incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan in the most recent three months, according to campaign finance reports filed last week.
Peltola’s campaign raised $6.9 million in the three months between April and June, compared with Sullivan’s $2 million. A large share of Peltola’s funds — $6 million — came from individual donors, whereas Sullivan raised less than $1.2 million from individuals, bringing in the rest from political action committees.
Alaska’s U.S. Senate race is considered one of a handful that could determine control of the chamber in November. Sullivan, who is running for a third term, has closely aligned himself with President Donald Trump. Peltola, who previously served one full term in the U.S. House, is his most high-profile challenger.
Both candidates proclaimed they had grassroots support, with Peltola highlighting her record-setting fundraising sum, and Sullivan emphasizing his cash-on-hand advantage.
Peltola far outspent Sullivan, leaving her campaign with less in the bank with weeks to go until the August primary election. As of the beginning of the month, Sullivan had $8.3 million in his campaign account while Peltola had $6.1 million.
Peltola spent more than $6.5 million during the three-month reporting period, including $1.3 million on digital fundraising, $1 million on digital media and $1.7 million for media buys. Sullivan spent less than $800,000 during the same period.
Candidates who raise more funds during the election cycle often ultimately win their congressional race, according to recent national data, but it’s not always the case. Peltola, running for U.S. House in 2024, outraised her GOP opponent Nick Begich only to lose in the general election.
When Sullivan was last up for reelection in 2020, he was outspent by independent opponent Al Gross, but ultimately retained the seat.
Under Alaska’s election laws, both Sullivan and Peltola will appear on the same open primary ballot next month along with 14 other candidates, none of whom reported significant fundraising.
The slate includes seven Republicans, three Democrats, an Alaskan Party member, a Libertarian, a Green Party member and three nonpartisan candidates. The top four vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the ranked choice general election in November.
Among the challengers is Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher who lives in Petersburg, and who shares a name with the incumbent. The Petersburg Sullivan, who is running as a Republican and who won a court challenge to appear on the ballot, has yet to report any fundraising.
