Democrat defeats Sarah Palin to win Alaska House special election

Peltola advanced to the general election in the top-four blanket primary in June along with Palin and businessman Nick Begich, a more mainstream Republican.

Independent Al Gross, a surgeon and 2020 U.S. Senate candidate, dropped out of the race shortly after advancing in the primary and endorsed Peltola.

The general election, which was ranked-choice, saw Peltola hold a commanding 9-point lead over Palin in first-preference votes. She ultimately won with 52% to Palin’s 49%.

While half of Begich’s votes went to Palin in the second round, nearly 30% went to Peltola and another 21% ranked neither candidate as their second choice.