Republicans are struggling with party discipline as they compete to replace a Democrat in Alaska’s only House seat. The ranked-choice voting system in the heavily Republican state continues to cause division among GOP candidates, with Nick Begich III noting that it favors the party with the most discipline. In the upcoming primary, voters will choose from a dozen candidates, with the top four advancing to the general election where ranked-choice voting will come into play.
The primary Democratic candidate, Mary Peltola, is facing challenges from Republicans like Nick Begich and Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, who received an endorsement from former President Trump. Despite Trump’s criticism of Begich’s Democratic tendencies, the candidate emphasizes his conservative background and loyalty to the former president.
After a surprising defeat in 2022, Begich is now advocating for Republicans to unite behind one candidate after the primary. Other Republican candidates like Matthew Salisbury and Gerald Heikes have differing views on dropping out, with Salisbury emphasizing the need to rank the Red to guarantee a Republican vote. The possibility of repealing ranked-choice voting is also looming, with Dahlstrom remaining neutral on the issue due to her position as lieutenant governor.
Despite their agreement on most issues, Begich and Dahlstrom are focused on challenging Peltola and Biden rather than each other in the House race. Dahlstrom, a seasoned public official, is considering her options after the primary, while the future of ranked-choice voting in Alaska remains uncertain.
Begich argued that, at 46, he could remain in the House for many years, giving him enough time to gain significant influence on committees.
Both candidates emphasized Alaskan energy, criticizing the incumbent president for issuing numerous executive orders that restricted oil and gas exploration in the state’s Arctic region.
Ms. Peltola, who entered the House in a special election in 2022 following the passing of Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), has worked to establish a moderate and pro-hydrocarbon image, setting her apart from many Democrats outside Alaska.
In 2022, she aligned with Republicans in supporting the Willow Project, which aimed to drill for oil in Alaska’s North Slope. She also chose not to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign.
On July 25, Ms. Peltola was one of only six Democrats who joined House Republicans in a resolution condemning Ms. Harris and the Biden administration for their approach to border issues.
Republicans have also criticized her recent absence from the House to engage in fishing activities back in Alaska.
“If someone wants to pursue a subsistence lifestyle, they are free to do so, but not while serving as a member of Congress,” Mr. Begich told The Epoch Times.
Ms. Peltola did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Alaskan Nationalist Weighs In
Another candidate running for the at-large House seat is John Wayne Howe of the Alaska Independence Party, a faction advocating for Alaskan nationalism.
He expressed to The Epoch Times his belief that the state should take control over more issues currently under federal jurisdiction.
“The state is essentially controlled by the federal government,” he remarked.
The proponent of state-level sovereignty stated that if elected to the federal-level House, he would “make a difference and give Alaskans hope for a way out of the current situation we find ourselves in.”
His party was more influential in the past. In 1990, Wally Hickel won the governorship under its banner.
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