In a competitive primary, Alaska Rep. Mary Sattler Peltola (D) secured her spot in the November general election, as anticipated, according to Decision Desk HQ. Republican candidates Nick Begich and Nancy Dahlstrom also advanced.
Peltola aims for a second full term representing Alaska’s at-large district after her initial election in a 2022 special election following the death of former Rep. Don Young (R). She then won the full term in the November general election. Alaska’s adoption of ranked-choice voting in 2020 means voters rank their preferences, with the top four candidates from a nonpartisan primary moving to the general election.
Peltola’s strong primary performance contrasts with Republican optimism as Begich and Dahlstrom prepare for the general election
Peltola’s advancement was nearly assured as the incumbent and sole prominent Democrat in the race. Dahlstrom benefitted from endorsements by former President Trump, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R), and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
Begich, who previously challenged Peltola in 2022, received support from conservative figures such as Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.). His grandfather, also named Nick Begich, previously held the seat as a Democrat.
Peltola’s win in a traditionally Republican state was remarkable, given its history of voting red in presidential races and not electing a Democratic governor since the 1990s. The ranked-choice system requires broad voter coalition-building.
Despite Peltola’s strong primary showing with over 50 percent of the vote, Republicans remain optimistic about reclaiming the seat. Dahlstrom and Begich have vowed to avoid attacking each other and to rank each other second in the general election. Begich has even pledged to withdraw if he falls behind Dahlstrom, though he finished ahead with about 27 percent of the vote compared to Dahlstrom’s 20 percent. Both candidates plan to continue their campaigns.
