Alaska Senate race draws legal challenges as exit polls show voter dissatisfaction

Thirty-five U.S. Senate seats are up for grabs in Tuesday's midterm elections. The outcome will determine whether Republicans keep their 53 to 47 majority or if Democrats seize control. Democrats need to win four net seats to take the upper chamber. Republicans currently hold both the Senate and the House, a position that has facilitated President Trump's agenda in the first two years of his term.

Early exit polls from key battleground states show President Trump's job approval is below 50 percent in nearly every contest. This includes states he won by double-digit margins in 2024. In all of these races, a majority of voters said their personal finances are worse than in previous years. Most voters, regardless of party, cited which party controls the Senate as a major factor in their decision.

The map presents a mixed picture for both parties. Eight seats held by Republicans are considered battlegrounds, while three are held by Democrats. South Carolina, Kansas, and Iowa lean Republican. Maine, Ohio, Texas, and Alaska are toss-ups. North Carolina leans Democratic. Georgia and New Hampshire lean Democratic, while Michigan is a toss-up. Democrats are attempting to hold their seat in Georgia, where Trump won in 2024, and are defending seats in three other states following retirements.

Alaska is a focal point of the election due to legal disputes. Democratic candidate Mary Peltola is challenging incumbent Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan. The Trump administration filed a lawsuit last month seeking to block the certification of results if Sullivan receives fewer votes than Peltola. A federal judge dismissed that lawsuit on Sunday. The New York Times reported last week that political operatives linked to Peltola's campaign made a secret effort to recruit Daniel J. Sullivan, another candidate on the ballot, to draw votes away from the incumbent. Peltola denied involvement in that plan.

Peltola told reporters on Tuesday that fraud accusations from her opponents may have reengaged voters. She stated, 'Alaskans across the state know that Dan Sullivan voted for this war in Iran 14 times. You cannot hide from that, no matter how much mudslinging and name calling you do.' She added that the accusations backfired because supporters rejected what they called dirty tricks. When asked about future legal challenges, Peltola said she has faith in the rule of law and the courts.

Voters in Anchorage expressed mixed feelings about the race. Many said the ballot was clear despite the confusion surrounding the two Dan Sullivans. Opinions differed on whether the dispute was legitimate. Michael Hanson, a 66-year-old Republican who voted for Dan Sullivan, said he was unhappy that the matter went to court and wanted the decision left to voters. Barbara Konrad, a moderate voter who also backed Sullivan, said Peltola had been corrupted too quickly and expressed frustration with the tone of the political advertising.

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine is fighting for reelection in a state Kamala Harris won in 2024. In at least five other states, Republicans face tight races to maintain their majority. The party in the White House often suffers losses in midterm elections. This historical trend, combined with current polling, has made a map that initially looked favorable to Republicans more competitive.

Democrats last won control of the Senate in 2022. They held a narrow majority during the Biden administration. Control of the upper chamber affects the White House's ability to pass policy priorities and confirm nominations. President Trump is looking to the final two years of his presidency as these races are decided.