Republicans have managed to expand their slim House majority, according to a Saturday report. Republican Nick Begich has defeated incumbent Democrat Mary Peltola (D-AK), who currently represents Alaska’s at-large congressional district. The victory increases the Republican Party’s seat count to 220, surpassing the 218 seats needed for a majority in the House.
Peltola had flipped the seat in 2022 after a long series of primary elections, all utilizing ranked-choice voting. She won the initial primaries, defeating Begich and another Democratic challenger, and later narrowly triumphed over former Governor Sarah Palin in the final head-to-head matchup. The seat had previously been held by the late Don Young, a Republican who represented Alaska from 1973 until his death in 2022.
Peltola finished first in this summer’s top-four, nonpartisan primary, followed by Begich and Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom, another Republican. To avoid internal party conflicts and focus on unseating Peltola, the GOP ultimately rallied behind Begich. Begich succeeded in unseating Peltola by a narrow margin, with the final vote difference projected to be under 10,000 votes. This primary cycle was only the second held under the state’s ranked-choice voting system, though voters will have the chance to decide on changes to the process in this fall’s ballot.
The Alaska pick-up, which had been a top priority for House GOP fundraisers, further extends the Republican lead in the U.S. House of Representatives by adding another vote. In 2024, Republicans successfully defended several seats held by vulnerable incumbents, including Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Rep. David Valadao (R-CA). Additionally, House Freedom Caucus member Scott Perry (R-PA) managed to fend off the most significant challenge of his career after being targeted by the Biden Department of Justice for his objections to the results of the 2020 election.
The GOP also successfully flipped several seats that have long been on their radar, including Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District, which covers President Biden’s hometown of Scranton. U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) had managed to hold onto the Republican-leaning district, which President Trump carried in every election since 2016, for multiple cycles. However, Cartwright was defeated by local businessman Rob Bresnehan on election night.
The final number of seats controlled by Republicans remains uncertain, as votes are still being counted in several West Coast states. It is still possible that the party could expand its narrow majority, giving President-elect Trump more flexibility in navigating his agenda.
Republicans will also need to fill at least two vacant seats held by Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Mike Waltz (R-FL), both of whom have accepted roles in the Trump Administration. A special election to fill Stefanik’s district — which is currently rated R+9 by the Cook Partisan Voting Index — will take place within 90 days.
While Republicans are expected to hold the seat, the race could be close, as opposition parties tend to be energized during special elections. Additionally, the GOP will need to fill another safe seat in Florida, where U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz resigned after being nominated for the Trump Administration’s attorney general position.
Disclaimer: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.