Scoop: Peltola amasses $2.5M war chest to defend Alaska House seat
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Rep. Mary Peltola. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images.
Rep. Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) has amassed $2.5 million in campaign cash as she prepares for what will likely be one of the most competitive House races in 2024, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: Peltola will need every advantage to beat back her two Republican challengers in the most GOP-leaning district held by a Democrat.
- "Campaigning in Alaska isn't easy, and in this tough race, every dollar counts," Peltola said in a statement first shared with Axios.
Driving the news: Peltola raised $1.7 million in the first three months of 2024, bringing her to an eye-popping total of $4.6 million raised so far this cycle.
- Her two Republican opponents, Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and businessman Nick Begich, have not reported their first quarter fundraising but had $200,000 and $180,000 going into 2024, respectively.
By the numbers: Alaska went for former President Trump by 10 percentage points in 2020, but Peltola won a special election in August 2022 to replace longtime Republican Rep. Don Young.
- Peltola beat Begich and Republican former Gov. Sarah Palin in the ranked-choice election, defeating the latter in the final round by 3 points and again that November by 10 points.
- Peltola's chances this year are complicated by the simultaneous presidential election in which Trump is favored to win Alaska handily – though the same polls show Peltola ahead.
What she's saying: Peltola noted in a statement that her massive haul will go particularly far in sprawling Alaska, which poses unique logistical challenges for candidates.
- "Most of our communities aren't connected by roads - but are filled with hardworking people who deserve to be heard in the process," she said.
- "To see individuals from all walks of life come forward and contribute, through financial support, their time, and good vibes, speaks volumes about the passion and commitment Alaskans have for our shared values: Fish, Family, and Freedom for the future."
The other side: "Mary Peltola's specialty is selling out Alaskans to Biden and lower 48 liberals, locking up Alaska's resources and imposing their radical vision," National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Ben Petersen told Axios.
- "Nothing can hide that Peltola's time in Washington has been a string of dysfunctional failures, broken promises and extreme votes against Alaska's values, livelihoods and safety."
