Chicago November 21, 2024
In a closely contested election for Alaska’s only seat in the House of Representatives, Republican Nick Begich has emerged victorious, as reported by the Associated Press. Begich won against Democratic Representative Mary Peltola, the first Native Alaskan to serve in Congress.
Peltola was notable for being one of the few Democrats who held a seat in a district that favored the Republican party in previous elections.
Nick Begich, a Republican, comes from a well-known political family in Alaska, which interestingly, mostly consists of Democrats. His win increases the number of Republican seats in the House to 219, compared to the Democrats’ 213. This victory is significant for the Republicans as they strive to maintain and increase their majority in the House.
The election also featured candidates from the Alaska Independence Party, John Wayne Howe, and another Democrat, Eric Hafner. Alaska’s unique ranked-choice voting system played a crucial role in this election. This system was beneficial to Peltola in the past, especially in 2022 when internal competition among Republicans helped her win.
However, this time, Begich managed to secure enough support to win. His inclusion in the House GOP campaign’s “Young Guns” list earlier in the year also provided him with valuable resources and support for his campaign.
