Mary Peltola, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Alaska, faced criticism for using notecards during a debate with incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan on October 16, 2026. Sullivan, who is in a closely contested race with Peltola, mocked her use of the cards on social media, stating, "Really, Mary? Reading off a script? You can't cue-card your way through the Senate."
The debate featured exchanges where Sullivan and other Republican commentators highlighted Peltola's reliance on prepared notes, suggesting it indicated a lack of preparedness. One GOP official, Joanna Rodriguez, commented on social media, "Mary, blink twice if you are okay. It seems you can't string a sentence together without reading from the talking points your Lower 48 handlers wrote you."
During the debate, Sullivan also questioned the moderators about the format, implying that he was closely observing Peltola's performance. Peltola defended her use of notes, asserting that she was better prepared for the discussion.
The debate also included personal attacks, with Sullivan referencing allegations of staff mistreatment against Peltola, which she denied, calling them "outright fabrications or mass exaggerations of the truth."
The candidates discussed Alaska's liquefied natural gas pipeline, with Sullivan defending the Trump administration's efforts to secure investment from South Korea, while Peltola expressed cautious support for the project, urging against raising expectations without firm commitments.
Peltola previously served in the House of Representatives and is the first Democrat to represent Alaska in decades. The race is considered a significant opportunity for Democrats to gain a seat in the Senate, with the Cook Political Report rating it as a toss-up.