Anchorage, Alaska - Former Vice President Kamala Harris recently threw her support behind Alaska Senate candidate Mary Peltola, who politely turned it down.
On August 12, Harris sent out a fundraising email, in which she described the Alaska race as "a must-win" for Democrats seeking to take back control of the Senate, and touted Peltola as the candidate who will defeat incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan.
But in a statement to The New York Times, Peltola's campaign claimed they did not approve the email, and outright rejected the endorsement.
"Mary isn't seeking endorsements from anyone from the Lower 48 - her focus is and always will be Alaska," the campaign said.
The rejection comes after Republicans quickly used the email to attack the Democratic candidate - a spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee released a statement claiming Peltola – who served in Congress while Harris was VP – had worked "hand in hand" with Harris "to put Alaska last."
It is also worth noting that when Harris ran against President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race, she lost Alaska by 14 points.
In recent interviews, Harris has teased another run at the presidency, telling Reverend Al Sharpton earlier this year that she "might" run again in 2028.
On August 18, Alaskans will head to the polls to vote in the nonpartisan primary. If Peltola wins, she will go on to face three other candidates in November's general election.