Trump-backed Republican Nick Begich beats Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola for Alaskas only House seat

Republican Nick Begich has won Alaska’s US House race, defeating Democratic Rep.Mary Peltola to claim the seat once held by his grandfather.Begich was among the opponents Peltola defeated during her special and regular election wins in 2022, following the death of Republican Rep.

Don Young.Young had held the seat for 49 years.Peltola, who is Yup’ik, was the first Alaska Native in Congress.Republicans, seeking to maintain control of the House, eagerly sought to win back the seat.Wednesday marked the deadline for elections officials to receive ballots mailed from overseas for the Nov.

5 election, and it was also when ranked choice vote tabulations were done.State officials were targeting Nov.

30 to certify the general election.Begich, in a statement on social media, said Alaska has great potential, “but much work remains for Alaskans to fully realize that potential.I am committed to fighting for our jobs and economy, protecting our unique way of life, and ensuring that our voices are heard loud and clear in Washington.”He also thanked Peltola “for her service to the state and nation in what is an exceptionally challenging role during an exceptionally challenging moment in our national history.”Peltola said working for Alaskans as part of the state’s three-person congressional delegation had been “the honor of my life.”“Nick, I’m rooting for you,” she said.

“Please don’t forget when DC people keep telling you that you are one of three, you are actually one of more than 700,000 Alaskans who are ready to fight for our state, myself included.”Begich comes from a line of Democratic politicians: his grandfather, the late Rep.Nick Begich, held the House seat before Young.One of his uncles, Mark, was a US senator, and another, Tom, was a state senator.

Begich has said he is a lifelong Republican.Begich went all-in in the lead-up to the August primary, saying he would drop out of the race if he finished behind another Republican.He sai...