With all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives up for election this year, the race between Alaska’s Democratic incumbent Rep. Mary Peltola and Republican Nick Begich is seen as a key to controlling the People’s House for the next two years.
While the vast majority of U.S. House races across the nation lean either solidly Republican or Democrat, Alaska’s contest is still deemed a too-close-to-call “toss-up” by major political watchdog groups.
In the lead up to Nov. 5, House Republicans enjoy a narrow majority with 220 seats compared to 213 for Democrats. About two dozen highly competitive races will decide whether Republicans solidify their majority or relinquish it. Few races are closer than Begich v. Peltola.
It takes 218 seats for a party to control the U.S. House. According to the latest analysis from Cook Political Report, Republican candidates have a solid or likely leads in 207 races, while Democrats enjoy the same in 203. That leaves 25 contests that are deemed “toss up or worse.” In this category, 11 Democrats and 14 Republicans are considered highly vulnerable to losing their seats, with Peltola among the most vulnerable Democratic seats that could flip Republican.
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Race to the White House, which runs 20,000 data-driven simulations each day to project the chances of both parties winning the majority, reports that Peltola is the third most vulnerable House Democrat in the nation. As of Oct. 30, Race to the White House predicted that Peltola has a 64% chance of retaining her seat. This percentage, however, has been shrinking as Begich’s chances of ousting Peltola steadily improve.
With less than a week before Election Day, it is clear that this race will continue to be a major focus of both parties.
A GOP controlled House would help facilitate the goals of a possible second term for former President Donald Trump. On the other hand, a Republican majority could also provide a vital check to the Leftist agenda if Kamala Harris prevails.
As of Oct. 28, more than 62,000 Alaskans had voted early. It’s expected that another 300,000 will vote between then and Election Day on Nov. 5.
TAKING ACTION
Early, in-person voting is underway across Alaska. Click here for locations and times in your area.
