Trump forced into unusual Alaska trip as GOP faces midterm warning

President Donald Trump is flying to Wasilla on Tuesday to boost Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, whose bid for a third term against Democrat Mary Peltola has turned out tighter than the party expected. Alaska has not sent a Democrat to the Senate since 2008, so the long journey, three weeks before the November 3 midterms, shows how nervous Republicans are. Voter anger over gasoline prices, inflation and the war in Iran is weighing on the party. Pollster Ivan Moore said the stop makes sense but may not help, since the contest could turn on 2024 Trump voters who have soured on him, according to The Independent.

Peltola, a former congresswoman, is campaigning on the cost of living. Tariffs on Canada add strain, given Alaska's close economic ties there. Sullivan has stayed aligned with the White House on Iran and trade even as other endangered Republicans pull away. Vice President JD Vance has also visited Fairbanks.

Trump and allies of the senator say a retired teacher on the ballot, Dan J. Sullivan, is a sham candidate; he denies it. Trump will also back Rep. Nick Begich against independent Bill Hill.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at The Independent →