Mary Peltola would be the strongest likely candidate for Alaska governor, poll shows

August 8, 2025

Former Democratic Representative Mary Peltola has emerged as the leading potential candidate for Alaska's 2026 gubernatorial race according to a new Data for Progress poll. The survey shows Peltola with the highest favorability ratings among major Alaskan politicians and leading potential Republican opponents by double-digit margins in simulated ranked-choice voting scenarios. As the first woman to represent Alaska in the U.S. House and the first Alaska Native elected to Congress, Peltola could potentially become Alaska's first Alaska Native governor if she chooses to enter the race.

Who is affected

Alaska voters who will choose their next governor in 2026
Mary Peltola, former Democratic Representative who could run for governor
Republican candidates already in the gubernatorial race, including Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and businessperson Bernadette Wilson
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, whose potential gubernatorial bid may be threatened by declining favorability ratings
Alaska Native people who could see their first governor from their community
Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, who could face Peltola in a Senate race

What action is being taken

Data for Progress is conducting regular polling of Alaska's political landscape
Several Republicans, including Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Bernadette Wilson, are actively declaring or launching gubernatorial campaigns
Peltola is currently working at the legal and public affairs firm Holland & Hart after losing her House seat in 2024
Voters are responding to polls about their preferences for the 2026 elections
Alaska is conducting elections through top-four nonpartisan primaries and ranked-choice general elections

Why it matters

The 2026 governor's race will be an open contest as incumbent Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy is term-limited
Peltola would make history as the first Alaska Native governor if elected
The poll demonstrates that Democrats could potentially win a statewide race in traditionally Republican-leaning Alaska
Alaska's unique political environment, with over half of registered voters unaffiliated with either major party, creates distinctive electoral dynamics
The poll indicates significant shifts in voter preferences, particularly regarding Senator Murkowski's declining favorability after her vote for Republicans' tax cut and spending legislation

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article, though Peltola has until the June 2026 filing deadline to decide whether to run for governor.

Read full article from source: The 19th