Dem Candidate Trolls GOP Senator After He Was Caught Looking At Her Debate Answer In Cringey Viral Video

On Saturday in Kodiak, Alaska, Senate candidates faced off at the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce fishery debate.

Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan was to spar with his Democratic opponent, former Representative Mary Peltola, who is Yup'ik and was the first Alaska Native ever elected to Congress. Sullivan is a lawyer and former state Attorney General. Peltola was a commercial fisher and former member of the state legislature.

Peltola's prior professional experience was likely to give her an advantage in a debate focused on Alaska's fishing industry, which might explain what happened during the debate. Sullivan and Peltola were given paddles that said "yes" or "no" which they were to use for certain questions.

At one point in the debate, Sullivan was stumped, had to be prompted by the moderator to answer the question, then looked to Peltola's raised paddle for help.

You can see the now viral moment, shared by Peltola, here:

The moderator asked:

"Do the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries adequately consider impacts on subsistence users, salmon migration, habitat, and Indigenous ways of life?"

Peltola, with her extensive experience, immediately answered by raising her "no" paddle. However Sullivan shuffled through the papers in front of him until the moderator prompted him to please answer the question.

At that point, Sullivan leaned forward to look at Peltola's answer, then raised his "no" paddle as well.

People found the moment very telling.

Alaska had been considered a sure bet to go red. The state hasn't elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2008.

But this year's race is considered as a "toss-up" with Peltola holding a slight advantage in recent polls.