Peltola takes slight lead in Alaska Senate race

Democrat Mary Peltola has taken a slight lead in Alaska’s Senate race by about 500 votes, results from Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) show, putting a possible eighth flip in the Senate in reach.

As of almost 11 a.m. Wednesday, Peltola leads Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) with 48.2 percent to his 47.9 percent with 70 percent of the expected vote counted.

Alaska does not have counties, instead separating its votes by state house district. DDHQ shows that Peltola is exceeding her “benchmarks” — the estimated result she would need to be on track to win statewide — in 26 out of 40 state house districts. Sullivan is exceeding his marks in the other 14, DDHQ shows.

Peltola now leads in a majority of state house districts, at 24. The outstanding vote also suggests that the former congresswoman may have more room to grow her lead — districts where she is ahead are averaging 68.6 percent........

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