Alaska Senate Shocker: Peltola Tops Sullivan as Trump Eyes North Korea & Canada Deals

A surprising result in Alaska's Senate primary is putting one of the country's most important 2026 races in the spotlight. Jon Decker reports from Anchorage after Democrat Mary Peltola finished as the top vote-getter in the state's nonpartisan primary, ahead of incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan. Peltola, a former Alaska congresswoman, captured 48% of the vote in the 16-candidate field and is positioning herself as a moderate who can compete in a traditionally Republican state. Sullivan, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, acknowledges Republicans face headwinds as Alaskans remain concerned about the high cost of living. With control of the U.S. Senate potentially hanging in the balance, Alaska could become a major November battleground. There's also an unusual wild card: another candidate named Dan Sullivan could advance to the four-person general election ballot, raising Republican concerns that voters could become confused and votes could be split. Plus, North Korea rejects President Trump's decision to scale back joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, calling the move an ineffective goodwill gesture. Trump, meanwhile, says he expects to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as he seeks to revive direct diplomacy. Finally, the United States gives Canada a three-day reprieve from sweeping 50% tariffs as Trump says a new trade deal is close. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says substantial progress has been made as negotiations continue over tariffs and the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Jon Decker has the latest from Anchorage, Alaska, on the White House Briefing Room.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.