Nick Begich Leads a Crowded Field in Alaska’s Open Primary

Rep. Nick Begich, a Republican, is seeking a second term as Alaska’s sole representative in the U.S. House. He faces competition from 14 other candidates in the ranked-choice primary.

The most significant opponent for Begich is Bill Hill, an independent candidate with a background as a commercial fisherman and former school superintendent. Hill’s campaign gained momentum after Anchorage pastor Matt Schultz, the leading Democrat in the race, suspended his candidacy and endorsed Hill.

Alaska employs a distinctive open primary system. In this system, all candidates, irrespective of their party affiliation, appear on the same ballot. The top four candidates who receive the most votes will proceed to the general election.