Alaska Senate race hangs in balance

Alaska’s Senate race remained undecided Friday, with Democrat Mary Peltola holding a slight lead over Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan. Fewer than 700 votes separated the two candidates at a time when 74% of ballots had been counted. The margin had remained static for more than 24 hours.

Alaska and Mississippi were the only two states without a confirmed new senator as polls closed on Election Day. Peltola told supporters that a lengthy count is standard practice in the state. She noted that the process often takes weeks and that Alaskans are accustomed to the wait.

The state uses a ranked choice voting system that requires a candidate to secure at least 50% of the vote. If no candidate reaches that threshold on first-place votes, officials will eliminate the last-place finisher and reallocate those ballots. This next round of tabulation will not occur before November 18.

Logistical hurdles also slow the process, as ballots from remote areas must be transported by air or mail. A complicating factor this year involves a third-party candidate named Dan Sullivan. The Justice Department and the FBI are currently investigating the situation.

Incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan accused Democrats of a scheme to confuse voters. He claimed the party plotted to add a candidate with the same name to rig the election. The Trump administration filed a lawsuit to halt certification if Peltola wins, citing the same-name confusion as a primary issue.