Surrounded by about 150 supporters in a Mat-Su Valley airplane hangar, Congressman Nick Begich officially launched his reelection campaign, pledging to continue the aggressive, results-driven approach that has defined his first term in Congress.
Begich, first elected in 2024, will seek a second term in 2026. In just six months, he has helped secure unprecedented wins for Alaska, including mandatory lease sales in ANWR, Cook Inlet, and the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that include tax relief for working families and seniors, new Coast Guard assets, and stronger border protections.
“Alaskans didn’t send me to Congress to trade sound bites, they hired me to fight for real-world wins,” Begich told the crowd that was mainly made up of grassroots Alaskans. “With your continued support, we will continue to deliver wins like these and build a future that reflects our values, unlocks our potential, and delivers opportunities for the next generation of Alaskans.”
The freshman Republican’s campaign launch drew high-profile endorsements from national and state GOP leaders. President Donald Trump issued his endorsement last month, praising Begich’s work on energy, taxes, border security, and the Second Amendment. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain also back Begich and call him one of the most effective new members of Congress.
Alaska Republican Party Chair Carmela Warfield credited Begich with delivering more in one term than many do in a career.
Since taking office, Begich was the lead push for legislation to increase Alaska’s oil royalty share by 40%. He also supported eliminating federal taxes on overtime and tips, delivering the largest senior tax cut in history, and securing federal investments in rural healthcare, border enforcement, and veteran services.
He was the first freshman in the 119th Congress to pass multiple bills that were signed into law by President Trump.
Begich, a businessman from Chugiak, serves as vice chair on two subcommittees, vice chair of the Native American Caucus, and sits on committees overseeing energy, fiscal, and national security policy. He lives in Chugiak with his wife and son.
Last month he announced a blockbuster campaign fundraising total of over $800,000 in the second quarter of 2025, setting a new record for off-year fundraising by any US House candidate or incumbent in Alaska history.
Photos from the event:
What about continuing issues at the Anchorage VA Clinic, Congressman Begich?
When you were campaigning, you told me you would look into the problems there that I told you about. Despite the written complaint I filed with your office, you and your staff have done nothing. At a minimum, I should have received a written response to my myriad concerns. It appears to me that you don’t care about veterans’ earned benefits and what we cannot access in Alaska.
I voted for you twice and am extremely disappointed now. If you cannot look into the Alaska VA, then you won’t have my vote in the next election.
He’s been great. He should have no problem getting re-elected as long as the vote isn’t split.