Mary Peltola

Mary Sattler Peltola was born on August 31, 1973, in Anchorage, Alaska. She is a member of the Yup'ik Alaska Native tribe through her mother, Elizabeth Piicigaq Williams, and is also a member of the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska. As a child, she traveled throughout Alaska with her father, Ward Sattler, who campaigned for Alaska Congressman Don Young, experiences that shaped her commitment to public service.

Peltola served as the U.S. Representative from Alaska's at-large congressional district from 2022 to 2025. A moderate Blue Dog Democrat, she made history as the first Alaska Native member of Congress, the first woman to represent Alaska in the House of Representatives, the first person born in Alaska elected to the House, and the first Democrat to serve as Alaska's representative in the House since 1972.

She won a special election in August 2022 following the death of Representative Don Young, defeating Republicans Sarah Palin and Nick Begich III in an upset under Alaska's new ranked-choice voting system. She was reelected to a full term in November 2022 but lost re-election in 2024 to Nick Begich III. In January 2026, she announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan.

Education

Peltola earned a degree in political science from the University of Alaska, completing coursework at multiple campuses including the University of Alaska Fairbanks , the University of Alaska Southeast , and the University of Alaska Anchorage . During her college years, she worked as a herring and salmon technician for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Political Experience

Peltola's political career began with an internship in the Alaska state legislature in 1996 under Representative Irene Nicholia. She ran for the Bethel representative seat that year but lost to the incumbent. She worked as a reporter and campaign manager for Willie Kasayulie before being elected to the Alaska House of Representatives, where she served from 1999 to 2009, representing the 39th district and the 38th district , focusing on Bush Caucus work.

Following her legislative service, Peltola held several positions in Alaska, including manager of community development and sustainability at the Donlin Gold Mine Project , Bethel City Council member , state lobbyist , and executive director of the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission , where she mobilized 118 tribes and rural Alaskans to advocate for salmon protection. She also served as a judge on the Orutsararmiut Native Council Tribal Court and has served on boards including the Nature Conservancy, the Alaska Humanities Forum, and the Alaska Children's Trust.