JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Former President Donald Trump plans to attend a rally in Alaska next week for candidates he has endorsed in the state, including Sarah Palin, who is running for the Alaska’s only U.S. House seat.
A statement from a Trump political action committee said the event will take place July 9 in Anchorage at the Alaska Airlines Center. It says Trump will deliver remarks in support of Palin, Gov. Mike Dunleavy and Kelly Tshibaka, a Republican running for U.S. Senate in a race with incumbent Republican Lisa Murkowski.
Trump late last year said Dunleavy had his “complete and total endorsement,” but that was subject to Dunleavy not endorsing Murkowski. Murkowski has been critical of Trump and voted to convict him at his impeachment trial last year. Trump was acquitted of the sole charge of incitement of insurrection related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Tshibaka, in a statement, said: “It will be a great honor to welcome President Trump to Alaska for what will be the greatest attended political event in our state’s history.”
Alaska’s elections are occurring under a system approved by voters that ends party primaries and institutes ranked voting in general elections. Under the system, the top four finishers in the Aug. 16 primary, regardless of party affiliation, are to advance to the November general election, where ranked voting will be used.
Palin is competing in two elections. She is one of three candidates, along with fellow Republican Nick Begich and Democrat Mary Peltola, who advanced to a special election for the House seat. The winner of that race will serve the remainder of the late Republican Rep. Don Young’s term, ending in January. The House special election, also taking place on Aug. 16, will be a ranked voting contest.
Palin also is running in the regular U.S. House primary.
Palin, an early Trump supporter, said she was honored to get Trump’s endorsement “early on in this race, and I’m excited to welcome him to the great state of Alaska.”
The Murkowski campaign declined comment on the event, Murkowski campaign spokesperson Shea Siegert said.
The Alaska Democratic Party, in a statement, said Alaskans “deserve credible and meaningful representation at all levels focused on their values and progress, not just their egos.” It says the party is focused on electing Democratic candidates “who recognize that our elections are free, fair and secure.”
The party on Tuesday announced it is endorsing Peltola for the House and Democrat Pat Chesbro for Senate.