JUNEAU, Alaska — A lively debate took place late Thursday in Anchorage between Democratic U.S. Representative Mary Peltola and her primary opponent for Alaska’s sole House seat, Republican Nick Begich. The discussion spanned a variety of important issues, including support for Ukraine, abortion rights, and gun control, as both candidates sought to win over voters just weeks ahead of the November 5 election.
Peltola, who is Yup’ik and made history as the first Alaska Native in Congress, is fighting to maintain her position after successfully winning both special and regular elections in 2022 to fill the seat previously held by Republican Rep. Don Young for 49 years before his passing. Begich, who previously competed against Peltola, has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump as he aims to defeat her in this contest.
During the debate, Peltola attempted to keep presidential politics at bay, revealing her decision not to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris or vote for Trump. She expressed her viewpoint on the necessity of keeping partisan politics separate from her campaign, emphasizing her focus on her own race and refraining from commenting on whether she would support Harris. “It’s a secret ballot,” she stated, acknowledging that both political figures have their shortcomings. She raised concerns about the advisers they may choose in their respective campaigns.
On the topic of international relations, Peltola affirmed the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, stating, “I think that they’re fighting our war in many ways, and I do support the efforts that they’re making.” This stance was met with a different perspective from Begich, who asserted that the priorities of Americans should be the primary focus. He articulated his belief that foreign conflicts should not burden future generations financially.
When the candidates were prompted about their views on a potential federal ban or right to abortion, Begich expressed his opposition to both, advocating that individual states should make that determination. On the other hand, Peltola, who heavily emphasizes reproductive rights in her campaign, argued against politicians interfering in such discussions. She maintained that abortion should be “safe, legal and rare” and highlighted the need for preventative measures to reduce unwanted pregnancies while also protecting women facing complicated medical situations.
In Alaska, the state’s Supreme Court has recognized abortion rights as part of the constitutional right to privacy, further underscoring the significance of this issue in local politics.
Discussions also centered on gun rights and school safety. Both candidates underscored the importance of responsible gun ownership and safety practices in a state where hunting is woven into the cultural fabric. Peltola pointed out that issues such as school shootings often stem from individuals feeling isolated or unheard, advocating for community support to ensure every child feels included and valued. She added the importance of safeguarding guns and ammunition from misuse. Begich countered by promoting youth shooting leagues as a means of education on gun safety and responsible ownership, calling for continued investment in such programs.
Further along in the debate, a question from the president and CEO of the Alaska Black Caucus was posed regarding economic disparities and initiatives to create opportunities for underrepresented communities. Peltola expressed her commitment to working for all Alaskans and stressed the need to collectively address challenges, including rising energy costs. She stated, “I think that it’s important that we are really intentional about making sure that everybody benefits from the programs that we work on.”
Begich echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, stating, “No matter where you started in life, no matter who you are, what community you’re a part of, what ethnic group you’re part of, what religion you have, it’s important because that’s the promise of America.” He lamented the disparities present in the K-12 education system in the state and noted that efforts should be made to guarantee access to quality education at all levels.
The debate highlighted Peltola and Begich as the leading candidates in a race that also includes John Wayne Howe, a candidate representing the Alaskan Independence Party, and Eric Hafner, a Democrat without local affiliations who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for making threats. The event’s audience was informed that participation was limited to candidates who achieved at least 5% of the vote in the primary, which excluded Howe and Hafner from the discussion.
