With 84% of votes counted, Democrat Mary Peltola now leads Republican Senator Dan Sullivan by 4,250 votes, but the race is clouded by voter uncertainty over two candidates named Dan Sullivan.
Vote tallies released on Tuesday show Peltola leading by 4,250 votes with about 84% counted, while a second candidate named Dan Sullivan received 4,027 votes, creating confusion among some voters.
The independent Dan Sullivan, labeled 'Decoy Dan' by Republicans, was reportedly recruited by a Democrat operative, and Peltola's campaign is accused of helping recruit him. Another Republican, Gerald Heikes, garnered 5,318 votes after Trump alleged he was backed by Democrats.
The next key date is November 13, when all Election Day mail-in ballots must be received, followed by another count update from the Alaska Division of Elections. By November 18, a final official tally-including overseas ballots-will be issued, and if no candidate exceeds 50%, ranked-choice voting will begin.
Currently, Peltola holds roughly 49% of the vote while Sullivan stands at 47.2%, leaving room for mail-in ballots to shift the outcome.
The Justice Department asked a federal court to delay certification over concerns that the two Dan Sullivans may have misled voters, but a judge dismissed the request. The Trump administration has appealed the ruling.
Sullivan's campaign released a memo after Election Day claiming that remaining ballots and the ranked-choice system would favor him, and they remain confident of holding the seat.
The result will influence the Democratic majority in the Senate as the party looks to consolidate gains in traditionally Republican states.