# Alaska Senate election contest > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alaska-senate-election-contest > Updated: 2026-08-20T16:42:56.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2. The Alaska Senate race has moved into the general election phase, featuring a matchup between Democrat Mary Peltola and Republican incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan. The primary election was marked by controversy involving two candidates with the same name. Incumbent Dan Sullivan faced a challenge from Dan J. Sullivan, a former teacher. Republican officials alleged the second candidacy was a “deceptive attempt to siphon votes,” a claim that drew attention from Donald Trump and led to federal scrutiny, including subpoenas from the Justice Department. Although the Alaskan Supreme Court permitted the second candidate to remain on the ballot, he did not advance to the general election. Additionally, scrutiny has turned toward Senator Dan Sullivan’s campaign expenditures. Federal Election Commission filings reveal the campaign spent approximately $35,000 on out-of-state dining since March, with notable spending at venues in Washington and Arizona. These reports emerged as Alaskans face high costs for gasoline and groceries. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: Alaska Senate race enters general election after controversial primary Alaska's Senate race heads to a general election between Republican Dan S. Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola following a controversial primary involving name-duplicate candidates and scrutiny over campaign's