In Anchorage on October 15, 2026, Republican Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola participated in a high-tension Senate debate. The candidates exchanged sharp criticisms regarding military pay, energy policy, and campaign tactics before the November 3 election.
The battle over the National Defense Authorization Act and military pay
The dispute over the National Defense Authorization Act and military pay highlighted the high stakes of this election. With the Cook Political Report labeling the contest a toss-up,the race represents a major opportunity for Democrats to pick up a seat in a state that Donald Trump carried in 2024. Before the debate began at the Alaska Public Media studio in Anchorage, supporters for both sides gathered, including individuals like Loren Baxter, a missile defense worker who praised Sullivan's military stance.
During the exchange, Senator Dan Sullivan claimed that Mary Peltola voted against essential pay raises for service members. Peltola countered by stating she supported two different versions of the National Defense Authorization Act, arguing that the version Sullivan cited would have limited reproductive healthcare for women. According to the report, Peltola also noted that her two sons served in the military at the enlisted-4 and enlisted-5 paygrades and had previously relied on food stamps.
Accusations regarding Epstein-linked campaign advertisements
Accusations regarding Epstein-linked campaign advertisements became a focal point of the personal attacks. Sullivan claimed that Peltola's campaign has run ads tying him to associates of the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. To defend his reputation, Sullivan cited his career-long efforts to protect survivors of sexual assault and his legislative votes to release the Epstein files.
Sullivan also addressed questions regarding his refusal to condemn Donald Trump's language toward women,citing his 2015 criticism of Trump's comments about Megyn Kelly. Peltola responded by clarifying that she has no control over the advertisements produced by independent political action committees.
Uncertainty surrounding the pipeline project and Seoul's funding
Uncertainty surrounding the pipeline project and Seoul's funding remained a central theme of the energy debate.. Both candidates acknowledged the project's economic potential for Alaska, but they clashed over the reliability of foreign investment. Sullivan defended the administration's efforts, noting that Seoul has committed to funding through a broader trade agreement.
However, the exact amount of this investment remains under negotiation. As the report states, Peltola expressed caution, suggesting that Alaska should avoid promoting "falsehoods" without firm, substantive commitments to the project.
The New York Times allegations and the debate note controversy
The New York Times allegations and the debate note controversy raised several unanswered questions for voters. sullivan alluded to a report in the New York Times alleging that Peltola used derogatory language toward people with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community , claims which Peltola called "outright fabrications" and "mass exaggerations." The debate also saw tension when Sullivan questioned whether moderator Lori Townsend had shared questions with Peltola in advance due to her use of notes.
As the candidates continued to interrupt one another, moderators had to warn that microphones could be shut off to maintain decorum. It remains unverified whether the specific investment amounts from Seoul will materialize or if the allegations regarding Peltola's staff treatment will be substantiated by further reporting.
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