The Alaska Division of Elections hosted a live Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) tabulation event on Wednesday night to announce the unofficial winners of races that were not decided by a 50% majority vote.
Nick Begich III successfully ousted Mary Peltola in the race for U.S. House, achieving the necessary 50% threshold after three rounds of voting. In a Facebook post, Begich said, “Alaska’s potential is unmatched, but much work remains for Alaskans to fully realize that potential. I am committed to fighting for our jobs and economy, protecting our unique way of life, and ensuring that our voices are heard loud and clear in Washington.
“Together, we will tackle the challenges ahead and build opportunities for every Alaskan—because this is about much more than politics; it’s about improving the lives of all Alaskans who call our incredible state home.”
In a local State Senate race, Jesse Bjorkman secured the top spot in Senate District D over challenger Ben Carpenter. Bjorkman led the race by about 7% before the RCV tabulation but remained short of 50%. After Democratic candidate Tina Wegener was eliminated in the second round of tallies, however, the incumbent triumphed, securing 544 of the Wegener votes to Carpenter’s 249.
In House District 6, Incumbent Sarah Vance carried a slim lead over challenger Brent Johnson but, like Bjorkman, was short of the 50% threshold. A win for Vance only took one additional round of voting, though, as 275 votes from the eliminated Dawson Slaughter went to Vance, giving her 52.25% of the vote–enough to earn reelection.
And in one of the most closely followed votes this year, the repeal of open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting failed by just 664 votes after more than 320,000 votes were cast in total. The results are still unofficial, however, and the separation of less than .5% allows for a recount, but it would appear Ranked Choice Voting will remain in place in Alaska for at least another election season.
The State Review Board begins the audit and certification process on Thursday, November 21. Results are unofficial until certification is complete (approximately November 30).
Federal Elections
U.S. President – 403/403 Precincts Reporting (100%)
Donald Trump (R) – 184,204 (54.54%)
Kamala Harris (D) – 139,812 (41.40%)
U.S. House – Alaska – 403/403 Precincts Reporting (100%)
Nick Begich (R) – 159,375 (48.42%)
Mary Peltola (D-Incumbent) – 152,596 (46.36%)
John Wayne Howe (I) – 12,984 (1.04%)
Eric Hafner (D) -3,421 (0.98% )
Ballot Measures
Ballot Measure 1: – 402/402 Precincts Reporting (100%)
An initiative to increase Alaska’s minimum wage, provide workers with paid sick leave, and protect workers from practices that violate their constitutional rights.
Yes -183,477 (57.97%)
No – 133,040 (42.03%)
Ballot Measure 2: – 402/402 Precincts Reporting (100%)
An Act to get rid of the Open Primary System and Ranked-Choice General Election.
Yes – 159,955 (49.90%)
No – 160,619 (50.10%)
State Elections
State Senate District D – 17/17 Precincts Reporting
Jesse Bjorkman (R-Incumbent) – 9,233 (47.82%)
Ben Carpenter (R) – 7,847 (40.64%)
Tina Wegener (D) – 2,181 (10.79%)
State House District 6 – 9/9 Precincts Reporting
Sarah Vance (R-Incumbent) – 5,356 (46.94%)
Brent Johnson (Non-Partisan) – 4,954 (43.41%)
Dawson Slaughter – 1,074 (9.41%)
State House District 7 – 6/6 Precincts Reporting
Justin Ruffridge (R-Incumbent) – 4,985 (58.93%)
Ron Gillham (R) – 3,397 (40.16%)
State House District 8 – 11/11 Precincts Reporting
Bill Elam (R) – 4,654 (51.52%)
John Hillyer (R) – 4,249 (47.04%)
Further election results can be found here on the Divison of Elections website.
