Schumer Urges Ex-Rep. Peltola to Enter 2026 Alaska Senate Race

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is quietly encouraging former congresswoman Mary Peltola to enter Alaska’s 2026 Senate race, according to people familiar with the outreach. Schumer’s effort underscores Democratic hopes of competing in a state that has rarely backed the party at the statewide level. Peltola, who won a special election in 2022 to serve the remainder of the late Rep. Don Young’s term, is one of only two Democrats to capture a statewide contest in Alaska this century. Her centrist profile and strong in-state name recognition have made her an attractive recruit as Democrats look for opportunities to expand a narrow Senate majority.