Mary Peltola faces heat for using note cards during Alaska Senate debate

Things got pretty heated in Alaska last night during a high-stakes Senate debate between Mary Peltola and Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan. The vibes were off from the jump, mostly because Peltola brought some notecards with her to the stage. She was spotted checking them during her responses, and honestly? The internet had a field day.

The card controversy

GOP critics didn't waste any time calling her out. Sen. Sullivan took a jab at her on X, saying, “You can’t cue-card your way through the Senate.” The NRSC’s Joanna Rodriguez also weighed in, claiming Peltola couldn't even get through a sentence without relying on notes from her handlers. When the note-checking continued, Sullivan even tried to call out the moderators, questioning if the candidates had been given the questions in advance—which the moderators quickly shut down, saying no way. Peltola stood her ground, though, clapping back that she was just being “prepared.”

Getting personal

It wasn't just about the note cards. The debate hit a major L when Sullivan brought up allegations that Peltola had mistreated former staffers, citing reports that 25 employees quit under her. Peltola pushed back, calling the claims “outright fabrications” and arguing that the election shouldn't be defined by her worst days. The moderators had to step in and warn them they’d cut the mics if they didn't stop the constant interruptions.

Pipeline drama

The two also clashed over a long-discussed liquified natural gas pipeline. While both sides agree it would be a major economic W, there’s confusion about foreign investment—specifically whether South Korea is actually on board. While President Trump has hyped up a deal, the reality seems a bit more uncertain. Peltola warned against getting hopes up, saying they shouldn’t be “promoting falsehoods that just have no substance,” while Sullivan defended the administration's progress.

Why it matters

This race is officially a toss-up and a huge deal for the Senate's power balance. With the GOP fighting to keep their narrow majority, this seat is highkey one of the biggest battlegrounds in the country. Whoever wins could effectively decide who runs the chamber come January.