Republican wins Alaska seat, strengthens GOP House control
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In a significant political shift, Republican Nick Begich has secured victory over Democratic incumbent Mary Peltola in Alaska’s at-large congressional district, bringing the GOP’s House majority to 220 seats, as projected by Decision Desk HQ.
The outcome marks a reversal of fortune for Democrats, who just two years ago celebrated Peltola’s historic win in this traditionally Republican stronghold.
The race for Alaska’s sole seat in the U.S. House of Representatives has now been called – Alaskans have spoken. It will be the honor of a lifetime to have the opportunity to serve as your voice in Congress.
The path forward begins with a unified understanding of what Alaska can… pic.twitter.com/NkulNeQrU7
— Nick Begich (@NickforAlaska) November 16, 2024
Following his victory, Begich took to X to share a detailed message to his constituents. [Insert original quote from “The race for Alaska’s sole seat…” to “…thank you for the opportunity to serve.”]
This result overturns the previous milestone set when Peltola claimed the seat in August 2022’s special election, defeating Sarah Palin to replace the late Rep. Don Young. Her victory had been groundbreaking, making her the first Democrat in half a century to represent Alaska’s at-large district.
Peltola’s earlier success was partially attributed to Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system and expanded mail-in voting options, both implemented through a 2020 referendum. However, the state’s electoral landscape may soon change, as the Supreme Court recently permitted a ballot measure to repeal ranked-choice voting.
NEWS
Republicans have flipped Alaska’s seat in the House of Representatives.
Decision Desk HQ is projecting that Republican Nick Begich will win over Democratic Congresswoman Mary Peltola. pic.twitter.com/gB0kYmax12
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) November 16, 2024
This upcoming vote could eliminate the current system, which requires voters to rank candidates by preference – a method that has drawn criticism for its complexity and potential to influence voting patterns in ways that may not reflect voters’ true preferences.
