Sullivan, Peltola clash in Alaska Senate debate

Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democratic challenger Mary Peltola clashed in a tense televised debate in Alaska’s competitive U.S. Senate race, trading accusations and sharp criticism over affordability, energy policy and their records. They also disputed the Iran war: Sullivan said it should end soon but called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, while Peltola said a deal appeared distant and condemned the war’s human and economic costs. Sullivan argued that expanding Alaska energy production would help lower prices; Peltola said the conflict was driving up Alaskans’ energy bills. Sullivan also raised allegations about Peltola’s treatment of former staff, which she called fabricated or exaggerated, and defended his record of criticizing President Donald Trump’s language. Recent visits by Trump and Vice President JD Vance highlighted the national stakes of the race as both parties compete for control of the Senate.