# Sullivan and Peltola clash in Alaska Senate debate > Republican incumbent and Democratic challenger spar over Iran war, cost of living and personal conduct in tight race that could decide Senate control. - Title: Sullivan and Peltola clash in Alaska Senate debate · NBC News - Summary: Republican incumbent and Democratic challenger spar over Iran war, cost of living and personal conduct in tight race that could decide Senate control. Dan… - Keywords: dan sullivan, mary peltola, alaska senate, 2026 election, iran war, cost of living, senate debate, republican, democrat, politics, news, Sullivan - Source: NBC News — https://nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/alaska-senate-candidates-clash-iran-war-high-prices-trump-rcna603839 - Author: Casey Wooten - Published: 2026-10-16T11:16:58.093+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: dan sullivan, mary peltola, alaska senate, 2026 election, iran war, cost of living, senate debate, republican, democrat, politics, news ## Alaska Senate race heats up Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan and Democratic challenger Mary Peltola squared off Thursday night in a debate over the Iran war, cost of living and controversies from Peltola's time in Congress. ## A race that could decide the Senate NBC News rates the Alaska Senate race as a toss-up. Democrats have targeted the seat as one of five potential pickup opportunities, despite Donald Trump carrying Alaska by double digits in twenty twenty-four. ## Sullivan defends Iran war support Sullivan said he supported President Donald Trump's war powers in Iran because the largest state sponsor of terrorism should not have nuclear weapons, but acknowledged the conflict needs to end soon. > the largest state sponsor of terrorism should not have nuclear weapons ## Sullivan on energy and costs Sullivan said energy costs from the Iran war are too high and that boosting domestic energy production would bring down costs at home. ## Peltola ties war to inflation Peltola attributed the increase in prices at home to the ongoing Iran conflict and said the military should be removed and protected without waiting for a peace deal. > There does not appear to be a peace deal on the horizon, and I think it's so important that our military be removed and protected ## Sullivan attacks Peltola's lobbying Sullivan criticized Peltola for seeking a lobbying paycheck after losing her House seat in twenty twenty-four, saying she was walking through the revolving door so much she must be getting dizzy. > Mary, you're walking through the revolving door so much you must be getting dizzy up here ## Sullivan cites staff turmoil Sullivan pointed to a New York Times article describing turmoil in Peltola's congressional office, saying twenty-five staffers quit because she abused them physically and emotionally and slandered groups including African Americans. > Twenty-five staffers quit on Mary Peltola because she abused them physically and emotionally, and then she slanders every other group, African Americans, special needs individuals ## Peltola dismisses the allegations Peltola called the Times reporting allegations and mass exaggerations of the truth, saying the election should not be about her on her worst day. > I don't think this election is about me on my worst day ## Peltola attacks Sullivan's wealth Peltola pointed out that Sullivan has gotten richer every single one of his twelve years in Washington, tying his support for the Iran war to his personal financial gain. > Dan's been in D.C. for 12 years and has gotten richer every single one of those years ## Peltola led in the primary In August's all-party primary, Peltola received forty-nine point five percent of the vote and Sullivan took forty-one point four percent, with a second Republican candidate named Dan Sullivan receiving only two point five percent. ## Alaska's Democratic drought Alaska last elected a Democrat to the Senate in twenty oh eight, when Senator Mark Begich ousted incumbent Republican Ted Stevens, making this race a significant opportunity for Democrats. ## Key takeaway Dan Sullivan and Mary Peltola debated Thursday in Alaska's competitive Senate race, clashing over the Iran war, living costs and Peltola's congressional record as Democrats target the seat.