Democrat Mary Peltola was sworn in Tuesday to represent Alaska in the House, becoming the first Alaska Native Congress member in U.S. history and the first woman to hold the seat.
Why it matters: It's the first time Alaska Natives, who make up 16% of the state's population, will have a voice in national office. Peltola, who is Yup’ik, will serve out the rest of the late Rep. Don Young's (R-Alaska) term after defeating Sarah Palin in the special election.
