In the recent special election for Alaska’s House of Representatives, businessman Nick Begich emerged victorious over first-term Representative Mary Peltola, a Democrat endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Begich’s triumph was confirmed after the Alaska Division of Elections completed the tabulation of voters’ backup choices using the state’s unique ranked choice voting system. The election took place on November 5, but neither candidate secured a majority of first-choice votes, necessitating a series of ranked choice calculations to determine the winner. Begich entered the final tally with slightly over 48% of the initial votes, a position that favored his likelihood of winning, and ultimately he secured 51.31% of the votes after the ranked choice processes were applied, leaving Peltola with 48.69%.
The ranked choice voting system in Alaska allows voters to prioritize their preferences among multiple candidates rather than selecting just one. If no candidate receives a majority of the first-place votes, additional rounds of calculations occur, where the candidate with the lowest vote count is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates based on second-choice selections. This continues until a candidate achieves a majority. This election approach is used only in one other U.S. state—Maine—making it a distinctive electoral practice. Observers anticipated that neither Begich nor Peltola would win outright on Election Day, compelling the need for several rounds of vote counting.
Begich’s victory represents a significant turnaround from the 2022 election cycle when he lost to both Peltola and former Governor Sarah Palin, placing third overall. During that contest, as Begich was eliminated from consideration, the supporters who initially backed him transferred their votes to Peltola, enabling her to secure her seat. Peltola made history by becoming the first Alaska Native elected to the U.S. House from the state, a notable achievement in a region where one in five residents is Indigenous. While Peltola endeavored to adopt a moderate political stance, her seat had conservative roots, having been held by Republican Don Young for nearly half a century until his passing in 2022.
The legacy of the Begich family in Alaska politics plays a crucial role in Nick Begich’s political identity. His grandfather, who shared the same name, was posthumously elected to the House in 1972 following the disappearance of his plane, ensuring that his name remained on the ballot. Additionally, another relative, Mark Begich, served as a U.S. senator for Alaska. These familial connections underscore the longstanding Begich presence in the state’s political landscape, contributing to Nick Begich’s stature and recognition during his campaign.
The electoral significance of this race reflects broader political dynamics in Alaska. The former Republican stronghold has seen shifts in the electorate, with past elections indicating a competition for the seat between traditional GOP nominees and Democratic candidates. Peltola’s history-making win in 2022 was indicative of a moment where Democratic representation seemed vital among voters. However, this recent election demonstrates the continued importance of identifying how changes in voter sentiments are shifting towards Republican candidates in the wake of recent elections.
Ultimately, Begich’s win over Peltola aligns with the larger strategic goals of the Republican Party to reclaim seats previously held by Democrats. As both parties assess this outcome, they are likely to analyze the implications for future electoral contests in Alaska and strive to mobilize their supporter bases effectively. The ranked choice voting system has demonstrated its capacity to impact electoral outcomes in unique ways, showcasing the need for both parties to adapt their strategies continually as voter preferences evolve within the diverse constituency of Alaska.