Alaska and Wyoming primaries: Key races and what's at stake

As the US midterm primary season winds down

As the US midterm primary season winds down, voters in Alaska and Wyoming head to the polls on Tuesday, offering a final glimpse of party direction before November's high-stakes elections. While both states are reliably Republican, the contests could have national implications, particularly in Alaska, where a competitive Senate race may help determine control of Congress.

Alaska's primary stands out for its unique format. Instead of separate party ballots, all candidates—regardless of affiliation—appear on a single nonpartisan ballot, with the top four vote-getters advancing to the general election. This system, adopted by voters in 2020, has reshaped how campaigns are run and how candidates position themselves.

The marquee race is for the US Senate, where Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan faces a strong challenge from former Democratic Representative Mary Peltola. Peltola, who served in the House from 2022 to 2025, has proven that Democrats can win statewide in Alaska, and recent polls show her leading Sullivan among primary voters. The Cook Political Report rates this as one of the country's most competitive Senate contests, drawing millions in outside spending, including efforts to boost long-shot candidates who could influence the final field.

Adding an unusual twist, two Dan Sullivans will

Adding an unusual twist, two Dan Sullivans will appear on the ballot—the incumbent and a retired teacher with a similar name. The challenger, Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., was initially removed from the race but reinstated by the state Supreme Court. With a single-choice primary and no ranked voting, even a small number of mistaken votes could shift which candidates advance.

Meanwhile, Alaska's governor's race is crowded with 17 candidates vying to replace term-limited Republican Mike Dunleavy. Notable contenders include former Governor Bill Walker, an independent, and a mix of Republicans and Democrats, reflecting a diverse field that could shape the state's political trajectory.

In Wyoming, the focus is on a rare wholesale turnover of Republican leadership, with open races for governor, Congress, and state offices. The outcome could either consolidate the state's ultraconservative politics or nudge it toward the center. As with Alaska, these primaries offer an early signal of voter sentiment ahead of the midterms, where control of both chambers of Congress is at stake.