By SUZANNE DOWNING
Feb. 25, 2026 – The Alaska Support Industry Alliance has endorsed US Sen. Dan Sullivan for re-election, lauding his consistent record supporting responsible resource development and Alaska’s economic interests.
The endorsement, approved by the Alliance’s board after “careful consideration and thoughtful debate,” marks a notable step for the organization, which rarely wades into political races.
The Alliance is a trade group representing companies that provide goods and services to Alaska’s oil, gas, mining, and resource development sectors. It first endorsed Sullivan in 2014. According to the group, the decision to do so again reflects what it views as his performance over the past six years in office.
“We recognize that our membership includes a diversity of political perspectives,” the board wrote in its endorsement announcement. “This endorsement reflects an evaluation of policy alignment and effectiveness in advancing the Alliance’s core mission. Our shared commitment remains the responsible development of Alaska’s resources and the long-term health of our industry.”
In outlining its reasoning, the Alliance pointed to six primary factors.
First, it cited Sullivan’s advocacy for access to federal lands and offshore areas considered critical to Alaska’s economy, including North Slope development opportunities and mining projects across the state.
Second, the group highlighted his support for policies aimed at sustaining throughput in the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, noting the strategic and economic importance of maintaining long-term production and infrastructure viability.
The Alliance also credited Sullivan for backing federal permitting reforms and efforts to reduce what it described as duplicative regulatory reviews, arguing that greater certainty is necessary for large-scale resource and infrastructure investments.
Further, the board emphasized Sullivan’s repeated efforts to link Alaska’s mineral and energy development to national security priorities. The endorsement noted his work highlighting the state’s role in strengthening domestic supply chains, particularly in critical minerals.
The organization cited Sullivan’s engagement when federal actions have affected Alaska leases, jobs, or development rights, saying he has responded through legislation, oversight, and direct communication with federal agencies.
Finally, the Alliance underscored what it described as Sullivan’s accessibility, saying he has maintained open lines of communication with member companies and industry leaders throughout his tenure.
“Our endorsement is not about partisanship — it is about performance, policy alignment, and demonstrated results,” the board wrote. “In a highly competitive global environment for capital investment, Alaska needs strong and effective representation in Washington, D.C., who understands the central role resource development plays in our economy and workforce.”
The endorsement adds to Sullivan’s support among Alaska’s resource development sector as the 2026 US Senate race begins to take shape.
His main opponent, Mary Peltola, has picked up the endorsements of former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg, and New York City US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Gov. Gavin Newsom sent out a fundraising request on her behalf. She was recruited by Democrat Sen. Chuck Schumer, leader of the Democrat minority in the Senate.
