Alaska’s Primary Election: Mary Peltola and Two Republicans Vie for the United States House of Representatives
In a significant development in Alaska’s political landscape, three candidates have advanced to the general election for the state’s at-large congressional district. This decision was confirmed by the Associated Press on a recent Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s unique non-partisan, ranked-choice primary system. Under this system, the top four candidates with the most votes, irrespective of their party affiliations, move forward to the general election. This primary saw a competitive field of 12 candidates vying for a spot in the top four, highlighting the high stakes and diverse political interests at play.
Democratic incumbent Mary Peltola emerged as a leading contender, securing her position with an impressive 50.7% of the vote. Peltola, who first won the seat in a 2022 special election following the death of long-serving Republican Representative Don Young, is now seeking a second term. Her advancement was almost certain, given her status as the incumbent and the only major Democrat in the race. Peltola’s success in a state that traditionally leans Republican underscores her broad appeal and effective campaign strategy.
Republican Nick Begich, who previously ran against Peltola in 2022, secured the second spot with 26.8% of the vote. Begich, the grandson of former Alaska Representative Nick Begich Sr., has strong support from notable conservatives, including Senator Mike Lee and Representative Byron Donalds. His campaign has been marked by a focus on conservative values and a commitment to uniting the Republican Party, which he demonstrated by pledging to drop out of the race if he did not emerge as the top-performing Republican in the primary.
In third place, with 19.9% of the vote, is Republican Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom. Dahlstrom, who received endorsements from former President Donald Trump, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, has positioned herself as a formidable candidate. Her campaign has emphasized traditional Republican values and the need for strong leadership to represent Alaska’s interests in Washington, D.C. Despite her relatively lower percentage of votes compared to Peltola and Begich, Dahlstrom’s endorsements and political experience make her a significant contender in the upcoming general election.
The Associated Press has yet to announce the fourth-place finisher, leaving some suspense in the race. However, no other candidates received more than 1% of the vote, indicating a clear divide between the leading contenders and the rest of the field. Among the lesser-known candidates were David Ambrose, Samuel Claesson, and Lady Donna Dutchess, along with Richard Grayson, Eric Hafner, Gerald Heikes, John Wayne Howe, Richard Mayers, and Matthew Salisbury. Their participation, while not yielding significant vote shares, reflects the diverse range of voices and perspectives within Alaska’s political landscape.
Alaska’s adoption of ranked-choice voting in 2020 has introduced a new dynamic to its elections. This system allows voters to rank their preferred candidates, promoting a broader coalition-building approach among candidates. The top four finishers from the primary will advance to the general election, where ranked-choice voting will ultimately determine the winner. This method aims to ensure that the elected representative has broad support across the electorate, rather than just a plurality of votes.
Peltola’s advancement to the general election was anticipated, given her incumbency and significant support base. Her victory in 2022 was notable, as she became the first Alaska Native elected to Congress and managed to win in a state that typically favors Republican candidates in presidential races. Peltola’s emphasis on civility in politics and her ability to appeal to a wide range of voters have been key factors in her political success. However, she faces challenges in maintaining this broad appeal, particularly as she navigates complex issues and differing political expectations.
Begich’s campaign has been characterized by his commitment to conservative principles and his efforts to unify the Republican Party. His previous runs for the seat and his familial connection to Alaska’s political history add depth to his candidacy. Despite losing to Peltola in 2022, Begich remains optimistic about his chances in the upcoming general election. His pledge to drop out if he is not the top Republican candidate underscores his dedication to party unity and strategic thinking.
Dahlstrom’s campaign, bolstered by high-profile endorsements, positions her as a strong contender. Her role as lieutenant governor and her alignment with prominent Republican figures provide her with a solid foundation. Dahlstrom’s emphasis on traditional Republican values and her strategic campaign efforts highlight her potential to gain significant support in the general election. Her determination to stay in the race, despite finishing behind Begich in the primary, reflects her commitment to representing Alaska’s interests.
The primary election also included a variety of legislative races, with 50 legislative seats up for grabs. In Eagle River, five candidates competed for a state senate seat, while in the rural interior, four out of six candidates for House District 36 advanced to the general election. The primary results are significant, even though no candidates are automatically eliminated, as they set the stage for the general election and influence future campaign strategies. The turnout for the primary was relatively low, likely due to the lack of a gubernatorial or U.S. Senate race, but the competitive nature of the U.S. House race drew significant attention.
As the general election approaches, the focus will shift to how the candidates build their coalitions and appeal to a broader electorate. The ranked-choice voting system requires candidates to seek support beyond their core base, encouraging a more inclusive and representative approach to campaigning. This system, while still relatively new, has the potential to reshape Alaska’s political landscape by promoting greater voter engagement and more nuanced electoral outcomes.
Republicans are confident about their chances to reclaim the seat, which they held for nearly 50 years with Don Young in office. They believe that some voters may still be unfamiliar with ranked-choice voting and are calling for party unity to oust Peltola. Both Dahlstrom and Begich have pledged not to attack each other in the race and to rank each other second in the general election, reflecting a strategic approach to maximize their chances of success. This cooperation contrasts with the 2022 election, where Begich and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin spent much of the campaign attacking each other, ultimately benefiting Peltola.
The upcoming general election will be closely watched, as it will determine who represents Alaska’s at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. The race is expected to be highly competitive, with Peltola, Begich, and Dahlstrom all bringing unique strengths and strategies to the table. Alaskans will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidate, and the ranked-choice voting system will ensure that the winner has broad support across the electorate. As the candidates prepare for the final stretch of the campaign, the political landscape in Alaska remains dynamic and unpredictable.