This weekend, Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola had a debate with her opponent, current GOP Senator Dan Sullivan, in Kodiak, Alaska.
During a part of the debate where candidates answer yes-or-no questions, Dan Sullivan was caught looking at Mary Peltola’s answer before giving the same response.
A moderator asked, “Do the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and NOAA fisheries adequately consider impacts on subsistence users, salmon migration, habitat, and indigenous ways of life?” This question might seem complicated to many people, but it’s very important for people in Alaska.
Mary Peltola immediately raised her hand to say “No.” Dan Sullivan quickly flipped through some papers, then looked at Peltola’s answer and raised his hand the same way.
The audience laughed and Sullivan nervously said “sorry.” Mary Peltola’s team noticed the cheating right away and shared it on social media.
“Happy to help, Dan,” Peltola wrote on Twitter.
“Alaskans deserve a senator who knows where they stand.”
“Dan Sullivan has accepted nearly $300,000 in donations from the trawling industry that is destroying our salmon runs.
My Senate campaign has taken $0.”
“Dan, you’re more interested in Atlantic farmed fish and lining your own pockets than you are in saving Alaska fisheries!”
Like all Republicans, Dan Sullivan is backed by some of the worst industries in America — and the worst industry for Alaska.
Mary Peltola, a lifelong fisherwoman and indigenous Alaskan, understands what matters most to Alaska voters.
That’s why she’s leading in the polls, that’s why she won the ranked choice primary by 8% of the votes, and that’s why she’ll be the next Democratic Senator from Alaska.
Happy to help, Dan. pic.twitter.com/higb5iVNeK
— Mary Peltola (@MaryPeltola) September 12, 2026
About the Author
Give them hell, Mary. Just like you’ll do in the Senate,