Donald Trump may have won his election in a big way. But he’s not out of the woods yet.
And this U.S. House report just gave Donald Trump the scare of his life.
There’s no way around the fact that Election Night was a good night for Donald Trump and the Republicans. Donald Trump effectively won a mandate with his walloping win over Kamala Harris. The Republicans also won back control of the U.S. Senate early into the night, indicating that a lot was going to go right for the GOP candidates.
A problem arose for the GOP, though. That problem was the control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Not giving Donald Trump a friendly Congress after his dominant win would have been just absolutely unacceptable in the eyes of conservative, Republican voters. Luckily, the recent news of Republicans flipping Alaska’s one U.S. House seat means that the GOP has cemented their control of the U.S. House, even if it’s by the skin of their teeth.
Nick Begich Defeats Mary Peltola in Alaska’s At-Large House Race: A Major Victory for the GOP
In a stunning and significant development for the Republican Party, Nick Begich has emerged victorious over Democratic incumbent Mary Peltola in Alaska’s at-large House race. The Associated Press called the race late Wednesday night, projecting that Begich would win with 48.4% of the vote, edging out Peltola, who secured 46.4%. With this outcome, the GOP secures another crucial victory in its effort to maintain and potentially expand its narrow majority in the U.S. House.
Peltola, who has held the seat since 2022, conceded the race on Wednesday evening, expressing her support for Begich’s future success. “I’m rooting for Nick to succeed in his new role,” Peltola wrote in a social media post, extending goodwill to her opponent.
A Key Republican Win in a Competitive Race
Nick Begich’s victory marks a major milestone for the Republican Party, especially considering the fierce competition in the race. The Cook Political Report had rated the contest as a “toss-up,” reflecting the intense political climate surrounding Alaska’s lone House seat. The outcome is seen as a critical win for the GOP, which is focused on preserving its slim majority in the House.
The battle for Alaska’s at-large seat was highly contentious, with both candidates raising significant campaign funds. Begich and Peltola together raised approximately $13 million, with Peltola outpacing Begich by a ratio of five to one in terms of fundraising. Outside spending also flooded the race, with political committees and third-party groups contributing an estimated $28 million to the contest, further emphasizing the national importance of the race.
Nick Begich, a Republican businessman and political newcomer, is no stranger to Alaska’s political scene. He is the grandson of the late Nick Begich Sr., who served as Alaska’s congressman until his tragic death in a plane crash in 1972. This family legacy adds an emotional layer to his win, as he now carries the mantle of his grandfather in representing Alaska on the national stage.
For Peltola, the defeat represents a setback after a groundbreaking victory in 2022, when she won a special election to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Republican Rep. Don Young. Peltola’s brief time in Congress was historic, making her the first Alaska Native elected to the U.S. House.
What This Means for the GOP
Begich’s victory is not just a win for Alaska Republicans but a critical boost to the national GOP’s efforts to maintain its grip on the House of Representatives. The Republican Party has been working tirelessly to defend and grow its slim House majority in the 2024 election cycle, and this victory in Alaska could help them build momentum heading into the next Congressional term.
As Donald Trump prepares for a potential second term in office, the support of a friendly Republican House becomes increasingly important for his political agenda. Begich’s win in Alaska signals that Republicans are gaining ground in key races, setting the stage for a more unified, GOP-controlled Congress that could help Trump advance his legislative priorities. The significance of this race extends well beyond Alaska — it may very well prove pivotal in shaping the political landscape for years to come.
The Conservative Column will keep you updated on any updates to the congressional makeup after the 2024 elections.
