Wind in Democrats’ sails as Sarah Palin humbled in Alaska special election

Sarah Palin after the results were announced in Alaska. The single House seat was held for almost 50 years by the Republican Don Young, until his death in March. Photograph: Bill Roth/AP

A special election for Alaska’s only seat in the US House was won by the Democrat Mary Peltola, delivering a blow to the former vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin’s hopes of a political comeback and putting wind in the sails of the Democratic party as it heads for November’s midterm elections.

Peltola’s victory, by 51.5% to 48.5%, marks a stunning turnaround in a state known for its solid conservative leanings. The single House seat was held for almost 50 years by the Republican Don Young, until his death in March.