Democrat Mary Peltola, a former state representative, will be the first Alaska Native in Congress after she had won a special election that included GOP applicants Nick Begich and previous Gov. Sarah Palin.
Mary Peltola, the executive director of the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, served ten years in the country Legislature and campaigned as “Alaska’s best shot at keeping an extremist from winning.”
“It is a GOOD DAY,” Peltola tweeted following the election results. “We’ve won tonight. However, we’re still going to hold this seat in November.”
Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif, the House Speaker, lauded Peltola for “making records as the first Alaska Native ever elected to the Congress.”
“Her treasured and unifying perspective, deep experience in public service and dedication to running households will strengthen the work of our Caucus and the Congress,” Pelosi stated.
