Republican Nick Begich defeats Democratic Representative Mary Peltola in Alaska’s US House election
The Trump-endorsed businessman emerged victorious in the race after two rounds of ranked choice tabulations.
Republican candidate Nick Begich defeated incumbent Democratic rival Rep. Mary Peltola in Alaska’s U.S. House race on Wednesday, providing Republicans with a small victory as they seek to bolster their narrow House majority.
The Associated Press called the race in favor of Begich shortly after 9 p.m. ET, with 99 percent of the votes counted.
Begich secured 51.3 percent of the vote in two rounds of ranked-choice tabulations, while Peltola received 48.7 percent, according to the AP.
The other two candidates in the race for the sole House seat in Alaska were Alaskan Independence Party candidate John Wayne Howe and Democratic candidate Eric Hafner, currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for criminal activities in New Jersey.
“Alaska’s potential is unmatched, but much work remains for Alaskans to fully realize that potential,” Begich said.
Begich, hailing from a lineage of Democratic politicians, pledged to address unemployment and economic challenges.
“Together, we will confront the obstacles ahead and generate opportunities for every Alaskan because this transcends mere politics; it’s about enhancing the lives of all Alaskans who call our remarkable state home,” Begich emphasized.
The businessman also appreciated Peltola for her service and acknowledged the challenging role she played in an extraordinary phase of national history.
Peltola, the first Alaska Native in Congress, had been endorsed by the daughters of former Rep. Don Young.
Trump Backs ‘Incredible Fighter’ Begich
In a separate statement on Wednesday, Peltola reflected on the honor of serving as Alaska’s congresswoman.
“Nick, I’m cheering for you. Remember, amidst the noise in D.C. telling you that you’re among three, you represent over seven hundred thousand Alaskans ready to champion for our state, myself included,” Peltola added.
Begich was one of the competitors Peltola surpassed in her special and regular election victories in 2022, succeeding the late Young, who occupied the seat for nearly five decades.
Begich’s family has a political legacy; his grandfather, the late Rep. Nick Begich, previously held the Alaska House seat, while his uncle, Mark, was a U.S. senator for Alaska from 2009 to 2015. Another uncle, Tom, served as a state senator.
Trump commended Begich as a “very successful small businessman” adept at combating inflation, fostering economic growth, slashing taxes, eliminating government waste, and prioritizing border security, crime reduction, and military strengthening.
Following Wednesday’s victory, the Republican majority in the House expanded to 219, compared to the Democratic minority’s 213, based on AP’s projections.
Three seats in California’s 13th and 45th Congressional Districts and Iowa’s 1st Congressional District remain undecided.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.