Many observers argue that Alaska Democrat Mary Peltola has little reason to pursue a Senate seat, believing she would have a stronger chance at winning the governor’s race and remain closer to home. Even so, Peltola is seriously considering a campaign against Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, according to Democratic sources, and some believe she is leaning toward running. If she enters the race, she would join a growing group of Democrats unexpectedly choosing to pursue Senate seats in 2026, at a time when many politicians are avoiding Washington.
Democrats have already convinced major figures such as Roy Cooper in North Carolina, Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Janet Mills in Maine to run, despite none of them being seen as likely candidates earlier in the year. Strategists say each was motivated by concerns over the direction of the country under President Donald Trump and a belief that they could help change it. Their states are among Democrats’ top targets for 2026, making their decisions central to the party’s long-shot attempt to take back the Senate.
In Maine, frustration with party leadership pushed oyster farmer Graham Platner to enter the race, drawing national attention and complicating Mills’ path to the nomination. Some polls even show Platner leading her in the primary, and he has refused to step aside despite criticism. Cooper, after decades in statewide office, is now attempting to become the first Democrat in 18 years to win a Senate seat in North Carolina.
Brown, who lost a tough reelection bid last year after 18 years in the Senate, is perhaps the most unexpected candidate. He said he felt compelled to return to help stop the “craziness” in Washington. Mills was even more direct, saying she would not be running “if this president and this Congress were doing things even remotely acceptable.”