Trump announces choice for Alaska House race, says Dahlstrom

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican candidate Nancy Dahlstrom in the race for Alaska’s lone seat in the House of Representatives.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump called Dahlstrom a “winner” and a “proven fighter.”

Dahlstrom is a former lawmaker and former corrections commissioner. She is now the lieutenant governor of Alaska. She is running against incumbent Democrat Mary Peltola and fellow Republican Nick Begich III.

The three favorites have accumulated significant support. But for Republicans, there is no one bigger than Trump, the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee for president this year. Still, Trump’s blessing does not guarantee election success in Alaska.

In 2022, Trump endorsed former Governor Sarah Palin for the United States House of Representatives. But in that year’s special and regular elections, Peltola received more first-choice votes than both Republicans. Palin finished second and Begich third. Palin gained votes through ranked-choice voting. More than half of Begich voters chose Palin as their second choice. It still wasn’t enough to regain Peltola’s lead.

Today, Trump calls Peltola “unpopular” and blames Begich for not leaving the race two years ago, which he says allowed the Democrat to win.

Trump, without explanation, also alleged that Begich had “Democratic leanings.” What he means is unclear. Begich comes from a Democratic family. His uncle is former U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska. But Nick Begich is a registered Republican. He is a favorite of many conservatives in Alaska and nationally, including members of the far-right Freedom Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.

To avoid splitting the Republican vote this year, Begich has pledged to step down if he finishes behind Dahlström in the primary.