Mary Peltola Leads in 2026 Alaska Governor Race, Survey Finds

Strategic Insights -

Alaska Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola holds a commanding lead in the 2026 election for governor, according to a new survey from progressive pollster Data for Progress. Peltola, who was the first woman to represent Alaska in the U.S. House and the first Alaska Native person elected to Congress, has the highest favorability ratings of major Alaska politicians, with a net positive favorability of 9 points. She leads a crowded field of Republican gubernatorial opponents by double-digit margins, including Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and conservative activist Bernadette Wilson.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mary Peltola leads in the 2026 Alaska governor election, with a commanding 40% support from likely voters.
  • Peltola's favorability ratings are significantly higher than her Republican opponents, with a net positive favorability of 9 points.
  • Peltola's focus on issues like fisheries management and opposing the proposed merger of grocery chains Kroger and Albertsons has made her especially well-regarded among voters.
  • The Data for Progress survey found that Peltola's opponent, Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, is largely unknown and unpopular, with only 10% of respondents ranking her first.
  • Peltola would benefit from a fractured Republican field, with no clear front-runner emerging to challenge her.
  • In a head-to-head competition, Peltola would beat Lt. Gov. Dahlstrom by 30 points, 65% to 35%.
  • The survey found that Peltola's popularity comes from her ability to connect with voters on issues that matter to them, such as fisheries management and opposing the megabill.
  • Peltola has ample time to make a decision about her political future before the June 2026 filing deadline for governor.

Statistics:

  • 40% of likely voters support Mary Peltola in the 2026 Alaska governor election, making her the clear front-runner.
  • Peltola's favorability ratings are 9 points higher than her Republican opponents, with 47% of respondents holding a favorable view of her and 38% holding an unfavorable view.
  • Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom is largely unknown, with only 10% of respondents ranking her first, and 60% holding an unfavorable view.
  • Bernadette Wilson, a conservative activist and businessperson, has 11% support, and 55% of respondents hold an unfavorable view.
  • The survey found that Peltola's popularity comes from her focus on issues like fisheries management, with 72% of respondents approving of her stance on the issue.
  • 68% of respondents approve of Peltola's stance on opposing the megabill, while 24% disapprove.

Sources:

  • Data for Progress: "Mary Peltola Would Be Front-Runner for Alaska Governor"
  • The 19th: "Mary Peltola, Alaska Governor Early Polling"
  • Alaska Beacon: "Dems are salivating over a Peltola bid for Senate but Alaska governor race could be wide open"
  • Data for Progress: "DfP's last Alaska survey released in March, Murkowski had a slim net positive approval rating"