Democrat Mary Peltola on Wednesday won the special election to represent Alaska's lone U.S. House seat, per the Alaska Division of Elections.
Why it matters: Peltola's victory is a major upset in a state that voted for former President Trump by 10 points in 2020, and it makes her the first Alaska Native elected to Congress.
- Peltola will also be the first Democrat to represent the seat in nearly half a century. Republican Don Young held it from 1973 until his death in March.
- She defeated Republican Sarah Palin, the former governor and 2008 vice presidential nominee who had Trump's endorsement.
How it happened: Peltola advanced to the general election in the top-four blanket primary in June along with Palin and businessman Nick Begich, a more mainstream Republican.
- Independent Al Gross, a surgeon and 2020 U.S. Senate candidate, dropped out of the race shortly after advancing in the primary and endorsed Peltola.
- The general election, which was ranked-choice, saw Peltola hold a commanding 9-point lead over Palin in first-preference votes. She ultimately won with 52% to Palin's 49%.
- While half of Begich's votes went to Palin in the second round, nearly 30% went to Peltola and another 21% ranked neither candidate as their second choice.
The backdrop: Peltola, who is Yup'ik, served in the Alaska House of Representatives from 1999 to 2009.
- She campaigned on her support for abortion rights, climate action and organized labor, as well as her knowledge of the state's prominent fishing industry.
- She also sought to strike a contrast to Palin's more divisive tone, telling the New York Times, "I think respect is just a fundamental part of getting things done and working through problems."
The big picture: Peltola's win follows a string of Democratic over-performances in House special elections since the Supreme Court overturned landmark abortion ruling Roe v. Wade in June.
- Most recently, Democrat Pat Ryan prevailed in New York's 19th District after running a campaign that was heavily focused on abortion.
Yes, but: Alaska's new ranked-choice system makes it a unique case that's harder to extrapolate than standard general election contests.
- Observers predicted the system would benefit a more consensus candidate over a right-wing firebrand like Palin, who a majority of voters view unfavorably.
What they're saying: “I look forward to continuing Don Young’s legacy of bipartisanship, serving all Alaskans and building support for Alaska’s interests in DC," Peltola said in a statement.
- “We built a great deal of momentum in a short time. ... I plan to continue introducing myself to Alaskans and working to earn their trust.”
- Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) said in a statement that Peltola's win "sends a resounding message that only confirms what we already know: Voters across this country are furious over Republicans’ extreme attacks on their fundamental freedoms."
The other side: In a statement, Palin took a shot at ranked-choice voting — which she had railed against throughout the campaign — arguing it has "effectively disenfranchised 60% of Alaska voters."
- "Though we’re disappointed in this outcome, Alaskans know I’m the last one who’ll ever retreat. Instead, I’m going to reload," she said.
What's next: The special election was only to determine who fills the rest of Young's term, which ends on Jan. 3.
- Peltola, Palin, Begich and fishing guide Chris Bye, a libertarian, will face off in another ranked-choice election in November after advancing in a primary last week.
