Rep. Mary Peltola D-AK is Alaska’s only representative in Congress. Her success in Tuesday’s primary depends on her appeal to centrist voters and Alaska’s unique voting system, which has made it harder for Republicans to win seats they’ve previously expected to take.
Peltola made history in 2022 by becoming the first woman to represent Alaska in the U.S. House of Representatives and the first Democrat to hold the position in 50 years. She won a special election, defeating 47 other candidates, including former Republican governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
Palin, hoping to revive her political career, lost to Peltola twice within three months due to Alaska’s ranked choice voting system. This system, approved in 2020 and first used in 2022, allows voters to rank candidates by preference, making it difficult for Republicans to secure easy wins.
However, a group of voters, led by former Alaska Republican Attorney General Kevin Clarkson, is pushing for a ballot measure to repeal ranked choice voting. So far, ten GOP-controlled states have banned the system, with more considering it.
The Impact of Ranked Choice Voting on Republicans
Ranked choice voting has been a challenge for Republicans, who have lost several races they expected to win due to the system. It has been particularly problematic in Alaska, where all candidates appear on a single primary ballot, regardless of party affiliation. The top four then move on to the general election, where voters rank their preferences.
In 2022, Peltola won both the special election and a full term, defeating Palin twice. Palin criticized the voting system as confusing, but Peltola benefited from it by attracting votes from across the political spectrum.
Republicans have lost five congressional seats since Maine adopted ranked choice voting in 2018 and Alaska in 2022. Peltola’s victories have highlighted the challenges the GOP faces with this system.
Lisa Murkowski’s Role in Alaska’s Voting Changes
Some believe that Alaska’s switch to ranked choice voting can be traced back to Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Murkowski, a centrist Republican, has faced tough challenges from within her own party. In 2010, she lost a primary but won the general election through a write-in campaign. Ranked choice voting has since allowed her to build a broader coalition of support without facing a Republican primary.
Murkowski has often criticized the direction of the Republican Party and has not ruled out leaving it. Her stance has led to attacks from Trump and his supporters, who believe her influence has made it harder for Republicans to win in Alaska.
Peltola’s Independence from Her Party
Peltola’s voting record shows she doesn’t always align with her party. Despite being painted as an “extreme Democrat” by House Republicans, she has frequently voted outside party lines on issues like energy development and immigration. Her moderate voting record reflects the reality of representing a state that leans Republican.
Looking Ahead to the 2024 Primary
Peltola faces 11 challengers in Tuesday’s primary, including familiar faces like Nick Begich and Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom. Despite her challengers, Peltola has a significant fundraising advantage and a moderate voting record that gives her a slight edge.
Republicans are trying to avoid the mistakes of 2022, where infighting led to Peltola’s victory. Begich has pledged to withdraw if he finishes behind Dahlstrom in the primary, aiming to consolidate Republican support.
While Peltola’s victory is not guaranteed, her ability to maintain a distance from the Democratic Party may be key to her success in November.