“I've seen that JKT's got a pretty significant lead. I see the Senate race is now essentially tied … I think Alaskans are ready for change.” - Independent U.S. House candidate Bill Hill, on Election Day results.
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins speaks with a reporter before voting on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 at the University of Alaska Anchorage. (Photo by Loren Holmes/Alaska Beacon)
By James Brooks, Corinne Smith and Yereth Rosen
Alaska is on course to have its first Democratic governor since Tony Knowles left office almost a quarter-century ago.
According to incomplete, preliminary results published Tuesday night by the Alaska Division of Elections, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins had 49% of the vote among four people competing to replace Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who is term-limited and unable to run for re-election this year.
Genevieve Mina, D-Anchorage, waves a sign on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 in Midtown Anchorage. (Photo by Loren Holmes/Alaska Beacon)
By James Brooks
The “blue wave” that marked national results during Election Day appears to have washed into the Alaska House of Representatives as well.
According to preliminary election results updated early Wednesday morning, independent and Democratic lawmakers are leading in 23 of the House’s 40 seats. Independents and Democrats won 19 seats in the 2024 elections.
Democrat Mary Peltola waves to passing motorists on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 in Midtown Anchorage. (Photo by Loren Holmes/Alaska Beacon)
By James Brooks, Corinne Smith and Yereth Rosen
Alaska’s closely watched U.S. Senate race remained too close to call early Wednesday morning as Democratic challenger Mary Peltola led incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan by only a few hundred votes with thousands more remaining to be counted.
The result of the race could extend already-enormous Democratic gains in the Senate or offer a gram of relief to Republicans who endured heavy losses on Election Day.
Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, addresses supporters on election night, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 at the Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage. (Photo by Loren Holmes/Alaska Beacon)
By James Brooks, Corinne Smith and Yereth Rosen
Republican incumbent Rep. Nick Begich III took a significant lead over independent challenger Bill Hill in early vote-counting for Alaska’s lone U.S. House seat, and stood just barely short of the threshold needed to avoid a ranked choice runoff.
Speaking to supporters Tuesday night, Begich thanked them for their votes and said their decision to re-elect him was about the future, not just that night.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Ballot Measure 2, repeal of Alaska’s election system, trails with many votes uncounted | James Brooks, Corinne Smith and Yereth Rosen
Alaska election shenanigans date back to territorial days | David Reamer
First Alaska election results to come Tuesday evening, final unofficial results in 2 weeks | James Brooks
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