A surprising result in Alaska's Senate primary is putting one of the country's most important 2026 races in the spotlight. Jon Decker reports from Anchorage after Democrat Mary Peltola finished as the top vote-getter in the state's nonpartisan primary, ahead of incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan.

Peltola, a former Alaska congresswoman, captured 48% of the vote in the 16-candidate field and is positioning herself as a moderate who can compete in a traditionally Republican state. Sullivan, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, acknowledges Republicans face headwinds as Alaskans remain concerned about the high cost of living. With control of the U.S. Senate potentially hanging in the balance, Alaska could become a major November battleground.

There's also an unusual wild card: another candidate named Dan Sullivan could advance to the four-person general election ballot, raising Republican concerns that voters could become confused and votes could be split.

Plus, North Korea rejects President Trump's decision to scale back joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, calling the move an ineffective goodwill gesture. Trump, meanwhile, says he expects to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as he seeks to revive direct diplomacy.

Finally, the United States gives Canada a three-day reprieve from sweeping 50% tariffs as Trump says a new trade deal is close. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says substantial progress has been made as negotiations continue over tariffs and the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

Jon Decker has the latest from Anchorage, Alaska, on the White House Briefing Room.

A surprising result in Alaska's Senate primary is putting one of the country's most important 2026 races in the spotlight. Jon Decker reports from Anchorage after Democrat Mary Peltola finished as the top vote-getter in the state's nonpartisan primary, ahead of incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan.
Peltola, a former Alaska congresswoman, captured 48% of the vote in the 16-candidate field and is positioning herself as a moderate who can compete in a traditionally Republican state. Sullivan, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, acknowledges Republicans face headwinds as Alaskans remain concerned about the high cost of living. With control of the U.S. Senate potentially hanging in the balance, Alaska could become a major November battleground.
There's also an unusual wild card: another candidate named Dan Sullivan could advance to the four-person general election ballot, raising Republican concerns that voters could become confused and votes could be split.
Plus, North Korea rejects President Trump's decision to scale back joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, calling the move an ineffective goodwill gesture. Trump, meanwhile, says he expects to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as he seeks to revive direct diplomacy.
Finally, the United States gives Canada a three-day reprieve from sweeping 50% tariffs as Trump says a new trade deal is close. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says substantial progress has been made as negotiations continue over tariffs and the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.
Jon Decker has the latest from Anchorage, Alaska, on the White House Briefing Room.

Go beyond the headlines and get a front-row seat inside the White House with veteran correspondent Jon Decker, who has covered every president since Bill Clinton. Broadcasting straight from the White House Press Briefing Room, Jon brings you a daily 15-minute briefing on the most important developments from the Trump administration, delivered with clarity, context, and no political spin.

With over 30 years of experience and unique access to both the West Wing and Supreme Court, Jon distills the chaos into facts you can trust. Whether you're heading to work or packing the kids’ lunches, this podcast will arm you with everything you need to know about what’s really happening in Washington. Start your weekday mornings with smart, fair, and concise White House coverage, Monday through Friday, right here.

Go beyond the headlines and get a front-row seat inside the White House with veteran correspondent Jon Decker, who has covered every president since Bill Clinton. Broadcasting straight from the White House Press Briefing Room, Jon brings you a daily 15-minute briefing on the most important developments from the Trump administration, delivered with clarity, context, and no political spin.
With over 30 years of experience and unique access to both the West Wing and Supreme Court, Jon distills the chaos into facts you can trust. Whether you're heading to work or packing the kids&rsquo; lunches, this podcast will arm you with everything you need to know about what&rsquo;s really happening in Washington. Start your weekday mornings with smart, fair, and concise White House coverage, Monday through Friday, right here.

The White House Briefing Room with Jon Decker

A surprising result in Alaska's Senate primary is putting one of the country's most important 2026 races in the spotlight. Jon Decker reports from Anchorage after Democrat Mary Peltola finished as the top vote-getter in the state's nonpartisan primary, ahead of incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan.

Alaska Senate Shocker: Peltola Tops Sullivan as Trump Eyes North Korea & Canada Deals

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