Independent Bill Hill advances in Alaska House race against GOP's Begich

Independent Bill Hill has advanced in Alaska's race for the GOP-held House seat, challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Nick Begich III, Decision Desk HQ projects. Hill, a Bristol Bay fisherman, will face Begich in the ranked-choice general election. Alaska's open primary system sends the top four vote-getters to the general election regardless of party. Hill faces an uphill battle against Begich, who flipped the seat from Democrat Mary Peltola in 2024 and holds President Trump's endorsement in a heavily Republican state. Democrat Matt Schultz suspended his campaign and endorsed Hill, clearing the path for a two-way race. Schultz struggled with fundraising, while Hill had $700,000 and Begich $3.2 million. Alaska's independent streak, including an independent governor in 2014, fuels Hill's hopes.