Juneau, Alaska — U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, who made history in 2022 as the first Alaska Native and the first Democrat in 50 years to hold Alaska’s only House seat, is facing new challenges as she seeks reelection in 2024.
Peltola, known for her emphasis on civility in politics, has encountered difficulties navigating today’s polarized political landscape. Recently, she faced criticism on social media after saying she was keeping an open mind” about the presidential race and not endorsing Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. She later clarified that she would not vote for former President Donald Trump, but the damage was done.
Peltola also upset some supporters by voting with Republicans on a resolution condemning Vice President Harris’s role in the Biden administration’s handling of the U.S.-Mexico border.
With the primary election approaching, Peltola is up against 11 challengers, including Republicans Nick Begich and Nancy Dahlstrom, who has been endorsed by Trump. The top four candidates will advance to the general election under Alaska’s open primary system, where voters use ranked choice voting.
So far, only Peltola, Dahlstrom, and Begich have raised significant campaign funds. This year’s race is less chaotic compared to 2022 when nearly 50 candidates ran in a special election after the death of longtime Rep. Don Young.
Peltola, who is Yup’ik and a former state lawmaker, won the special election and later a full term by focusing on unity and running on a platform of “fish, family, and freedom. Alaska’s new voting system, which includes an open primary and ranked choice general election, played a role in her success. Some praise the system for giving voters more choice, while others find it confusing.
Begich, supported by local Republican groups, is running again after finishing behind Peltola in 2022. Trump has endorsed Dahlstrom and blamed Begich for the Republicans’ loss that year. Begich has pledged to withdraw if he finishes behind Dahlstrom in the primary to avoid splitting the Republican vote in the general election.
Peltola has refrained from making endorsements, emphasizing the importance of letting voters decide for themselves. Most registered voters in Alaska aren’t affiliated with any party, and Alaska last voted for a Democratic presidential nominee in 1964.
At a recent campaign event, a Democratic voter named Kiernan Riley, who is a member of the LGBTQ community, expressed concern about Peltola’s position on Trump. After speaking with Peltola, Riley felt reassured, understanding the complexities of being a Democrat in a predominantly Republican state.