Democrats Are Desperate for Mary Peltola to Run for Something, Anything in Alaska

A Peltola Senate campaign would mark the latest recruiting win for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

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Mary Peltola speaks during a forum for candidates in Anchorage, Alaska. Mark Thiessen/AP

Senate Democrats are trying to recruit Mary Peltola, the one candidate they think can make next year’s race in Alaska competitive. But the former congresswoman hasn’t said “yes” — yet — in part because she hasn’t ruled out a different statewide run.

With high name recognition, the proven political chops to build a winning coalition in Alaska and a national fundraising machine behind her, the former lawmaker is the Democratic Party’s undisputed favorite candidate to run for governor, Senate or House.

As she hasn’t made a public indication about her 2026 plans, trying to figure out what Peltola will decide has become a favorite parlor game in Alaska political circles.