Alaska Senate Race: A Long-Awaited Outcome
The Senate race in Alaska remains undecided as Wednesday dawns, with a lengthy ballot-counting process expected. The contest between incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola is tight, also involving independent candidate Daniel J. Sullivan and another Republican, Gerald Heikes.
As of Wednesday morning, with three-quarters of the vote in, the race is a dead heat, according to CBS News estimates. Alaska's ranked-choice voting system could extend the count for weeks, as no candidate has secured more than 50% of first-place votes.
The results from Alaska will follow a trend of Democrats taking control of the Senate, with wins in states once considered safe for President Trump. Alaska's outcome could either strengthen the Democratic majority or provide Republicans with a much-needed respite.
Peltola expressed to reporters, "The results won't be swift." She added, "Alaskans are patient. We just want to assure everyone it won't be hours or days, but weeks." Sen. Sullivan also acknowledged to his supporters, "We're in for a long night, and probably some long weeks ahead."
This race, along with the Mississippi contest, remains too close to call as the nation waits for the final tally.