Alaska by-election: Palin loses, Indigenous Democrat triumphs

For the time being, no comeback for the Republican Palin: She was defeated by the Democrat Peltola in a by-election for a US congressional seat. She is the first indigenous woman to move to Washington for the state of Alaska.

“I have to catch my breath first,” says Mary Peltola and laughs. The Democrat celebrates a historic victory with her campaign team in Anchorage: Peltola is not only the first woman to hold a seat in the US Congress for Alaska, she is also the first indigenous woman to do so.

On top of that, Peltola had a very prominent competitor: Republican Sarah Palin, who was supported by ex-US President Donald Trump. Many election observers were surprised by Palin’s defeat. The 58-year-old had been governor of Alaska and had run as a vice presidential candidate alongside John McCain in 2008. After the electoral defeat, she became one of the front figures of the conservative Tea Party movement and a darling of the (mostly conservative) media.

Has she now lost despite or because of her prominent status? Political journalist Sarah Elizabeth Kupp believes in the latter explanation at CNN. The fact that Palin has hardly been seen in her home country is one of the biggest points of criticism.

Alaska Campaign: “Fish, Family, Freedom”

Peltola, on the other hand, was able to shine with many years of local political experience: as a member of the House of Representatives in Alaska or on the city council in the small town of Bethel. And she always campaigned for the interests of the indigenous population.

“Fish, family, freedom” is one of her campaign slogans. Salmon decline is one of Alaska’s most pressing issues. Peltola is also committed to more climate protection and a liberal abortion law.

Only four months in office

But she hardly has much time to present her agenda to Congress in Washington. The term of office lasts just four months. The seat only became vacant after the death of Republican Don Young, who had held the office since 1972. The seat will be up for re-election for a regular term in November, coinciding with the midterm elections.

That’s why Palin is now even more in an attacking mood. In November, like Peltola, she is again on the ballot for Congress:

So far, Peltola and Palin have met in friendly competition. This could be over now. Because with Trump as a supporter behind him, Palin’s performance is considered an indicator of Trump’s influence within the Republican Party.