Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola finished first in Alaska’s nonpartisan congressional primary on Tuesday with a wide lead over her Republican challengers, setting the stage for a contentious general election matchup that could determine the balance of power in the U.S. House next year.
Under Alaska’s primary system, all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of their party affiliation and the four candidates with the most votes advance to the general election
Peltola garnered just over 50% of the vote, in preliminary results released early Wednesday morning. Republican candidates Nick Begich and Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom also advanced in the state’s ranked-choice primary, both receiving more than 20% support. Nine other candidates received less than 1% support and are vying for the fourth spot.
Peltola is seeking a second full-term to represent Alaska. She was first elected in a special election to fill Republican Congressman Don Young’s at-large seat after he died in March 2022. She beat out several rivals, including former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin , who received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.