Alaska Democratic Senate candidate Peltola criticized for use of notecards during debate

During the debate, Peltola appeared to be holding large notecards with bullet points, which she was looking at while she answered questions.

Published: October 16, 2026 8:16am

Updated: October 16, 2026 8:31am

Republicans are criticizing Alaska Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola for her use of notecards during a debate with Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan Thursday night. 

During the debate, Peltola appeared to be holding large notecards with bullet points, which she was looking at while she answered questions. 

"Really, Mary? Reading off a script? You can't cue-card your way through the Senate," Sullivan wrote on X, which included a photo of Peltola holding one of the cards.  Sullivan made several other posts mocking Peltola's use of the cards. 

Other Republicans offered their own jabs at Peltola. 

"Hey Mary, your Lower 48 handlers are very happy you're reading from the script they sent you!" Joanna Rodriguez, communications director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said on X. 

When Sullivan remarked on the cards during the debate, Peltola said she was more prepared than Sullivan. 

 

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