Candidates Vie for Alaska’s Sole U.S. House Seat
A competitive race for Alaska’s only U.S. House seat will see several candidates face off in the upcoming November election. The race is tightening after four candidates advanced from the recent rank-choice primary.
First-term incumbent Rep. Nicholas Begich III, R-Alaska, aims to retain his position. He faces a strong challenge from independent candidate Bill Hill. With the Associated Press calling the race for both Begich and Hill early on, Begich was leading with 47.9% against Hill’s 29.5%. This ensures both candidates will proceed to the general election in November.
The primary featured a crowded field including Republicans Ed Goldfarb and Clay Strickland, Democrats Eric Hafner and Yaquelin Reynoso, Libertarian candidate John Foddrill, and nonpartisan candidates David Ambrose, Lady Donna Dutchess, David Richey, and Melania Salazar. William Schultz, also a Democrat, dropped out over financial issues but remained on the ballot. Oddly, Schultz was in third place at the time the race was called.
Eric Hafner, who sits in the peculiar situation of campaigning while serving a 20-year sentence for making false bomb threats, was also among the candidates. His candidacy has been a point of interest, given his criminal record.
Bill Hill, who campaigns as an independent, has generated significant financial support, having raised over $1.3 million from individual donors. Hill exemplifies how a seat won in a special election doesn’t always stay with one party. Rep. Begich, who previously unseated Mary Peltola, demonstrates this dynamic.
Hill brings a unique background as a lifetime commercial fisherman and member of the Dena’ina Athabascan native Alaskan community. He resides in Naknek with a population of 470 people. His platform includes support for the Second Amendment, tax cuts, police and first responders, as well as social policies like a woman’s right to choose, and taxation for billionaires.
Rep. Begich’s campaign focuses on “unlocking Alaska’s resources,” particularly through opposing Biden-era restrictions on oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. His priorities also include cost-cutting, job creation, native community protection, and border security. He holds a leadership role as the Executive Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus.