When Mary Peltola arrived in Congress, Alaska’s voices, especially rural and Native communities, had often been treated as an afterthought in Washington. She changed that, bringing a grounded, consensus-driven style that put everyday Alaskans back at the center of federal decision-making.

As the first Alaska Native ever elected to Congress, Peltola made protecting fisheries, lowering costs, and investing in infrastructure core priorities. She prioritized climate resilience, food security, and good-paying jobs, which are inseparable for Alaska families. She worked across party lines to deliver resources for ports, roads, broadband, and veterans’ care, while standing up to corporate interests that threaten local communities. For Peltola, effective leadership isn’t about ideology; it’s about results people can see in their homes, their paychecks, and their communities.