Alaska Voters 50+ Could Help Decide Key 2026 Races

A new AARP Alaska voter survey finds that voters age 50 and older are expected to play a major role in the state’s 2026 elections. These voters are the most motivated segment of the electorate, with 87% rating their likelihood of voting as 10 out of 10.

The survey also finds competitive statewide races: In the Senate race, former Representative Mary Peltola (46% initial ballot; 53% after ranked choice vote reallocations) leads Senator Dan Sullivan (41% initial ballot; 47% after ranked choice vote reallocations); in the governor’s race, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (40% initial ballot; 55% after ranked choice vote reallocations) leads Bernadette Wilson (20% initial ballot; 45% after ranked choice vote reallocations), with Dave Bronson (14%) and Treg Taylor (7%) also on the initial ballot; and in Alaska’s congressional contest, Representative Nick Begich (45% initial ballot; 57% after ranked choice vote reallocations) leads Bill Hill (31% initial ballot; 43% after ranked choice vote reallocations), with Eric Hafner (9%) and James McDermott (3%) also on the initial ballot. 

The survey shows that issues affecting financial security and aging are central to voting decisions among this influential electorate. More than three-quarters of voters 50-plus say Social Security (78%), rising prices for everyday essentials (77%), the cost of health care (74%), and Medicare (70%) are extremely or very important when deciding how to vote. Policies that help older adults live independently as they age (65%) and prescription drug costs (55%) also rank highly. 

Affordability remains a dominant concern across the electorate. Forty-two percent of Alaska voters rank rising prices and affordability among their top two voting issues, making it the most frequently cited issue overall. Groceries are the leading affordability concern, followed by gasoline, health care costs, utilities, and housing. Among younger voters and Alaska Native voters, housing concerns are especially pronounced. 

The survey also highlights broad support among voters 50-plus for policies related to retirement and financial security. Large majorities say they would be more likely to support candidates who protect Social Security benefits, expand Medicare's ability to negotiate prescription drug prices, support family caregivers, and help older adults remain independent in their homes and communities. Additionally, 78% of voters 50-plus support creating a retirement savings program for workers who do not currently have access to one through their employer, and 68% support restoring pension benefits for public employees.  

Nearly half (47%) of Alaska voters age 50-plus say Social Security is currently or will be a major source of household income. The survey also finds that 46% of voters 50-plus identify as current or former family caregivers, underscoring the importance of caregiving and retirement security issues among Alaska's older electorate.  

Methodology 

AARP commissioned the bipartisan polling team of Fabrizio Ward (R) and Impact Research (D) to survey Alaska voters. The survey interviewed 800 likely voters statewide from September 8 to 11, 2026. Interviews were conducted via live interviewer on cellphone (40%) and landline (15%), as well as SMS-to-web (45%). The sample was randomly drawn from the Alaska voter list. For more information, contact Kate Bridges at kbridges@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact AARP External Relations at media@aarp.org.