Sullivan and Peltola spar on Iran war and energy costs in Alaska Senate showdown

Sen. Dan Sullivan and former Rep. Mary Peltola faced off in a televised Alaska Senate debate, a contest that could tip the balance of the narrowly divided Senate. The two candidates sparred over the war in Iran, soaring energy bills and their own credibility. Sullivan, a two‑term Republican, said the Iran conflict must end quickly, called for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen and urged a deal to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He argued that lowering Alaskan energy costs means producing more local energy. Peltola, the Democratic challenger, said a nuclear deal is still out of reach and mourned the loss of 20 U.S. service members. She blamed the war for higher energy prices and blamed the Trump administration for rising gas and diesel costs. Both accused each other of lying; Peltola said Alaskans are fed up with dishonesty, while Sullivan called her record a “character challenge.” On Ukraine, Peltola supported standing with allies and warned against boosting Russia after Trump’s diesel purchase plan. Sullivan said he backs Ukraine but charged Democrats with cutting the military. The debate grew personal when Sullivan questioned whether candidates received questions early, a claim the moderator denied. The event followed recent visits by former President Trump to Wasilla and Vice President JD Vance to Fairbanks, underscoring the race’s national importance. Alaska last sent a Democrat to the Senate in 2008. A lesser‑known Republican, retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan, earned only about 2.5% of the primary vote and missed the forum. ## Context The debate highlighted how foreign wars and fuel prices are shaping voter concerns in a state where energy production is a key economic driver.