Who's In the Race

Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK) faces Democrat Eric Hafner in the Nov. 3 general election for Alaska's at-large U.S. House District. Also running in the current race is Independent candidate Bill Hill and Libertarian candidate Jim McDermott. ​

Begich, a Republican incumbent first elected in 2024 over Mary Peltola, previously worked in technology before entering politics. In the Aug. 18 top-four primary, he took about 45 percent of the vote, with Hill finishing second at about 33 percent.

Hill is a Dena'ina Athabascan from Naknek who describes himself as a lifelong fisherman and longtime teacher from Bristol Bay.

Hafner's state candidate biography lists education in criminal justice and graduate study in constitutional law, criminal law and intelligence.

McDermott, a Libertarian from Fairbanks, lists his occupation as writer.

What They Stand For

Begich's campaign website says he is focused on "unlocking Alaska's resources" and "lowering costs," while his official House website describes energy as "a cornerstone of American prosperity" and "a valuable tool for national security."

Hafner's campaign website says she supports Medicare For All, reorganizing the Department of Veterans Affairs, and legalizing cannabis federally, among other issues.

Independent candidate Hill says he wants to ban congressional stock trading, according to his campaign website, and in a local news interview, he outlined priorities including affordability, an Alaska LNG pipeline, renewable energy, education programs and stricter fishing rules.

McDermott, a Libertarian, says on his campaign website that "smaller government makes for better lives."

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rated the race "Likely Republican" as of Oct. 9. Sabato's Crystal Ball gave it the same "Likely Republican" rating as of Oct. 11. Inside Elections also rated it "Likely Republican" as of Oct. 2.

Begich won Alaska's at-large seat in 2024 with about 48 percent of the vote; Democrat Mary Peltola had won the same seat in 2022 with about 49 percent. Donald Trump carried Alaska in the 2024 presidential race with about 55 percent of the vote.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article