Peltola to hold initial Juneau event of US Senate campaign at The Crystal Saloon on Friday

Former Democratic US House member challenging Republican Dan Sullivan in race expected to be widely watched nationally

Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat who is running for U.S. Senate this year, addresses supporters during a meet-and-greet at The Crystal Saloon in January 2024 when she was running for reelection to the House. She is scheduled to appear at the same venue Friday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola is scheduled to make her first public Juneau appearance as a U.S. Senate candidate during a meet-and-greet at The Crystal Saloon from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, according to an announcement on her campaign website.

Peltola, a Democrat, announced Jan. 12 she is challenging two-term Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan in what is expected to be one of the most-watched races in this November’s election as the GOP tries to retain its three-seat majority in the 100-member Senate.

The Cook Political Report moved its rating of the race from "Solid Republican" to "Lean Republican" when Peltola entered the race, citing "her unique political stature in Alaska and her proven crossover appeal." But the rating also notes "Sullivan still starts with the advantage in a state President Donald Trump won by 14 points."

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.