Sen. Dan Sullivan calls out Mary Peltola for using notecards during Alaska Senate debate

Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan confronted Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola on Oct. 15 in Anchorage after observing her glance at large notecards while answering questions.

Sullivan asked the moderators whether either candidate had been given the debate questions beforehand. Both moderators responded negatively, with one saying, "Neither one of you got questions beforehand. Absolutely not."

Peltola answered Sullivan’s accusation by stating, "I'm prepared," implying that her use of the cards was a routine preparation method.

After the exchange, Sullivan posted on X that Peltola was "reading off a script" and warned that a candidate "can't cue‑card your way through the Senate." The post included a photo of Peltola holding one of the cards. Republican communications director Joanna Rodriguez echoed the critique, suggesting the notes were supplied by “Lower 48 handlers.”

Multiple media outlets reported the incident, noting that the notecards contained bullet‑point prompts. The moment highlighted the growing tension in a Senate contest that national observers have labeled a toss‑up and one of the few races that could tip the balance of power in the 118th Congress.

Both candidates have been trading accusations on policy and character throughout the campaign. Sullivan has positioned himself as a defender of Alaska’s energy interests and a critic of what he calls “Washington insider” politics, while Peltola has emphasized her experience and preparedness for the Senate role.

The debate also touched on broader issues such as the Iran war, soaring consumer prices, and the looming LNG pipeline project, but the notecard episode dominated headlines and social‑media commentary.

With President Donald Trump having made a campaign stop in Alaska just days earlier to rally support for Sullivan, the race remains under intense national scrutiny as early voting begins next month.