Congressman Nick Begich raised $2.8 million for his election in 2024, winning against a much better funded former Rep. Mary Peltola, who had at least $13.8 million in her campaign, plus the money of side groups like unions.
This cycle it’s different for Begich. On Tuesday the Republican from Alaska announced he has raised a record amount in the first quarter of 2025, with more than $824,279 coming from 21,644 individual contributors, for an average contribution size of $38.
During the same quarter in 2023, Peltola had set the Alaska record by raising $375,000.
“I am deeply grateful to the thousands of supporters who made our record-setting quarter possible,” Begich said. “This strong start puts us in a solid position to hold this seat next year so we can continue to deliver results for all Alaskans. Under President Trump’s leadership, we can and will unlock Alaska’s vast potential and bring prosperity to our state while providing the resources America needs.”
Although House members come up for reelection every other year, their campaigns are busy even on the off years building the support to win in the following year. Begich’s strong showing is a signal to the Democrats that he will be tough to beat in 2026. He has, however, been placed on the Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee’s target list. The Democrats believe that Alaska’s only congressional seat is “in play.”
In 2024, that same Democrat group put Peltola on its “rescue” list, but was unable to pull her over the finish line first, as Alaska voters were able to see how she performed in Congress with their own eyes. She was one of President Joe Biden’s most ardent supporters, and he lost the state by a margin of over 13%.
For 2026, the center-left Cook Political Report puts Begich in the “driver’s seat” for keeping the seat, as of February. However, it’s still unclear who the Democrats will put up against Begich, with Peltola appearing to be uninterested in returning to the campaign trail, as she is reportedly making more than $400,000 as a consultant with the law firm Holland and Hart.
Nick has surprised me, so far. He’s been a voice for individual liberty. However, we are comparing him with the worst forms of humanity in American history.
So proud of him. So, so PROUD!
Very proud of Nick and the responsibility he’s been given by congressional leadership. Rare for a freshman to have the level of committee involvement he has.
Plus, he’s the newest member of the Congressional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Caucus. Finally! A voice for ultra-rural Alaska EMS to push back against the Lower 48 highly-urbanized EMS influences. 🥳🫡🇺🇸