Alaska Republicans running in Tuesday’s primary could win as many three spots on the November ballot as they try to oust Democrat Mary Peltola from the state’s only House seat. But that also could splinter the Republican opposition and give the Democrat a second full term.
Alaska’s unique election law uses an all-party primary to choose four candidates for the November general election, in which voters rank their choices. Along with Peltola, who has a significant fundraising advantage, others in the 12-candidate field likely to advance to the general election are 2022 candidate Nick Begich and Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, both Republicans. Their finishing order, however, could determine the GOP’s ability to consolidate support.
Peltola is one of five House Democrats representing a district former President Donald Trump won in 2020. Alaska’s Republican lean – Trump won there by 10 percentage points – and the party’s current narrow majority in the House make Alaska’s at-large seat a must-win for Republicans. However, Peltola’s incumbency and her somewhat conservative positions on guns and energy could make her a tough political target come November.
