Native News
Mary Peltola Unveils Plan to Tackle Alaska’s Affordability Crisis in U.S. Senate Campaign
Native Vote 2026
Former Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola (Democrat) on Monday unveiled a sweeping affordability agenda aimed at lowering costs for working families across Alaska, making kitchen-table economic issues a centerpiece of her campaign for the U.S. Senate.
Peltola’s proposal, titled “Taking Action on Affordability for Alaskans,” focuses on rising costs tied to fuel, groceries, childcare, housing, healthcare, and energy. The lifelong Alaskan said residents are increasingly frustrated with what she described as policies driven by “special interests” in Washington, D.C.
“Alaskans are being crushed by the special-interest price hikes coming out of DC – but I will stand up to anyone to put Alaska first and fight for lower costs,” Peltola said. “Alaskans are tough — but there’s only so many times you can pay $10 a gallon for fuel or skip a doctor’s visit before you start to feel pissed that DC politicians keep making things worse. It shouldn’t be this hard to get by in Alaska, and when I’m in the U.S. Senate, I’m going to fight to make life affordable for hardworking Alaska families.”
The plan outlines several proposals designed to reduce everyday expenses while boosting wages and local economic development. Among the key initiatives is a push to expand Alaska’s energy production through permitting reform and targeted tax credits intended to increase in-state refinery capacity and strengthen local energy supply chains.
Peltola also proposed eliminating federal income taxes for working Alaskans earning less than $92,000 annually and ending taxes on Social Security benefits for seniors. Her plan calls for expanding the federal Child Tax Credit to provide families with up to $3,600 annually for children under six and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17.
The affordability package also targets corporate practices that Peltola says have driven up costs in Alaska. Her proposal would ban price gouging during emergencies, crack down on anti-competitive mergers among grocery chains, and increase transparency in supply chains. She additionally called for restoring funding for the Bypass Mail program and creating an “Essential Freight Service” to reduce shipping costs in rural communities.
Housing affordability also features prominently in the plan. Peltola supports tax credits for renters spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing, expanding Indian Housing Block Grants, and limiting out-of-state corporations and hedge funds from purchasing homes that could otherwise go to Alaska residents.
Peltola framed the proposal as part of a broader effort to challenge political and corporate systems she says favor wealthy interests over working families.
“While Alaskans struggle to pay for groceries, heat their homes, and afford childcare, the rigged system in DC is allowing politicians to profit from the status quo,” the campaign said in a statement. “Mary Peltola is done watching Lower 48 special interests write the rules while Alaska working families pay the price.”
Peltola said her campaign is centered on being an independent voice for Alaska and pledged to “stand up to anyone to put Alaska first.”
Read Mary’s full plan to take action on affordability for Alaskans here.