Trump travels to Alaska for rally as Sullivan's Senate race tightens

Left · 1President Donald Trump travelled to Alaska on Tuesday 13 October for a campaign rally, a trip of about 3,400 miles, as Republicans try to hold a Senate seat in a closely contested race. 1 Left · 1The Independent, citing an Associated Press-style report by Will Weisert and Becky Bohrer, said the rally was to be held in Wasilla, about 45 miles north of Anchorage, to support Sen. Dan Sullivan, whose reelection race against Democrat Mary Peltola has become a Republican concern ahead of the 3 November midterms. 2 Left · 1The Independent described the visit, three weeks before Election Day, as unusual for a state of about 740,000 people, and said Trump would also campaign in Arizona and Montana on Wednesday. 2

Left · 1Alaska has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2008 and has backed Republican presidential candidates in every election since 1968, but the report said Trump's declining popularity has given Democrats an opening. 2 Left · 1The report linked Republican difficulties to voter frustration over soaring gasoline prices, persistent inflation and the war in Iran, and said Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods carry particular weight in a state sharing more than 1,500 miles of border with Canada. 2 Left · 1Peltola, a former congresswoman, is running on an "Alaska First" platform focused on the cost of living, while Sullivan, who is seeking a third term, has stayed a staunch supporter of Trump's policies on Iran and tariffs, unlike some other Republicans in tight races. 2

Left · 1Alaska pollster Ivan Moore said the race could hinge on 2024 Trump voters who have become disillusioned, adding: "The visit is certainly appropriate. Whether the visit will be effective or not is another matter." 2 Left · 1Trump called Sullivan a "great senator" last week, and Vice President JD Vance visited Fairbanks to support him, saying Alaska is competitive in both very red and very blue years. 2 Left · 1The rally was also to promote Republican Rep. Nick Begich, who faces independent Bill Hill. 2

Left · 1The race is complicated by Alaska's open primary and ranked-choice voting. Trump has criticised the system, and state Republican leaders including chair Carmela Warfield said they oppose it while urging voters to rank only Republicans. 2 Left · 1The administration has prioritised Alaskan oil and gas; Sullivan joined Trump at the White House for the announcement of a proposed $54 billion South Korean investment in an Alaskan gas project, though South Korean officials cautioned that the deal and its valuation are not finalised. 2