Alaska Republican Nick Begich defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola on Wednesday, a victory that will bolster the GOP’s slim majority in the U.S. House.
The Associated Press projected Begich as the winner around 9 p.m. Eastern, with 95% of votes counted.
“The ranked-choice voting tabulation has been completed and has confirmed our win beyond any residual doubt,” Begich said in a statement Wednesday night.
“I am truly honored to have earned your trust and support. I am committed to fighting for our jobs and economy, protecting our unique way of life, and ensuring our voices are heard loud and clear in Washington,” he added.
Begich garnered 48.4%, while Peltola trailed with 46.4%. Independent John Wayne Howe and Democrat Eric Hafner received 3.9% and 1%, respectively.
Begich’s win follows Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system, which eliminated his two previous attempts at the seat. Under this system, voters rank candidates by preference, and if no one reaches 50% in the initial count, the votes of eliminated candidates are redistributed.
In 2022, ranked-choice voting split the vote between Begich and former Gov. Sarah Palin, allowing Peltola to secure both the special and general elections.
Although Begich was initially projected as the winner on Nov. 16, the Associated Press took several more days to make its call, as the race remained one of the closest in the nation.
Begich comes from a prominent political family, with his grandfather having represented Alaska in the House and his uncle Mark having served as a U.S. Senator for the state.
Peltola conceded the race, reflecting on her time in office.
“Working for Alaska as a member of our federal delegation has been the honor of my life,” she said. “The path ahead will not be built by one person or three people working for all of Alaska, but by all Alaskans working together to build a future that works for all of us.”
Peltola, who held the seat for two years, expressed her support for Begich.
“Nick, I’m rooting for you. Please don’t forget when D.C. people keep telling you that you are one of three. You are actually one of more than seven hundred thousand Alaskans who are ready to fight for our state, myself included,” she continued.
Begich’s victory marks the return of Republicans to the seat, which Peltola had held since her election in 2022.
