A competitive race is underway for Alaska’s sole U.S. House seat as candidates prepare for the November election. In the rank-choice primary, four candidates have progressed.
Primary Results
Incumbent Rep. Nicholas Begich III, R-Alaska, is vying to retain his position. He will face independent candidate Bill Hill in the upcoming election. The Associated Press determined that Begich and Hill secured the top spots, with Begich leading 47.9% to Hill’s 29.5%.
The primary also included Republicans Ed Goldfarb and Clay Strickland, Democrats Eric Hafner and Yaquelin Reynoso, Libertarian John Foddrill, and nonpartisan candidates David Ambrose, Lady Donna Dutchess, David Richey, and Melania Salazar. Democrat William Schultz withdrew due to financial issues but remained on the ballot, securing third place, followed by Hafner.
Insights on the Candidates
Hafner, a federal inmate, is noted for his unique candidacy, serving a 20-year sentence for false bomb threats. Dutchess is an experienced but under-supported candidate.
Independent candidate Bill Hill is noteworthy for his fundraising efforts, raising over $1.3 million in 2026. Known as a long-standing commercial fisherman belonging to the Dena’ina Athabascan native Alaskan community, Hill currently resides in Naknek with his wife. His platform blends popular stances from both political spectrums, supporting the Second Amendment, tax cuts, and first responders, alongside advocating for women’s rights and fair taxation on billionaires.
Begich’s Political Agenda
Rep. Nick Begich, who previously overturned a rule limiting Arctic oil exploration, focuses on enhancing Alaska’s resource availability. His campaign prioritizes cost reduction, job creation, native community protection, and border security. Begich plays a role as Executive Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus.