Peltola still holds fundraising cash advantage in U.S. House race, new figures show

Republican businessperson Nick Begich III, Republican Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola are among 12 candidates competing successful nan superior for nan spot presently held by Peltola. (Photos by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Ahead of Alaska’s Aug. 20 superior election, incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola continues to clasp a fundraising advantage against her 11 competitors, new filings with nan Federal Elections Commission show.

As of July 31, Peltola’s run had $2.8 cardinal successful rate connected hand, compared to $317,617 held by Republican Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and $172,548 held by chap Republican challenger Nick Begich.

No different campaigner reported holding immoderate rate connected hand. 

Under Alaska’s predetermination system, nan 4 apical vote-getters successful nan August superior — sloppy of statement — beforehand to nan wide predetermination successful November.

In nan November election, if 1 campaigner has much than half nan votes, they triumph connected nan first count. If nary 1 has much than half nan votes, classed prime voting is utilized to find nan winner.

In 2022, Peltola twice defeated Begich, erstwhile Republican Gov. Sarah Palin and each different competitors. 

This year, Begich has pledged to withdraw from nan predetermination if he finishes down Dahlstrom successful nan primary, which he has said is aimed astatine consolidating support down 1 Republican. Dahlstrom has not made a akin pledge, nor person different candidates, who would switch immoderate withdrawn candidate.

Fundraising occurrence is powerfully correlated pinch electoral victory.

In 2022, almost 94% of U.S. House candidates who spent nan astir money connected their title went connected to triumph nan election, according to statistics kept by nan Center for Responsive Politics.

In this predetermination cycle, Peltola’s run has reported raising much than $7.5 million. Begich’s run has raised almost $983,000, and Dahlstrom’s run has raised complete $912,000.

Dahlstrom has secured nan endorsement of Republican statesmanlike nominee Donald Trump, but section Republican Party officials person mostly endorsed Begich. The authorities statement has frankincense acold declined to prime a preferred candidate.