Rep.-elect Mary Peltola on her win in Alaska and Democrats’ chances of holding the House

Judy Woodruff:

A major political upset in Alaska last night, as a Democrat won the state's only seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Former state legislator Mary Peltola won a special election to replace former Congressman Don Young, who died earlier this year. Peltola's Republican opponents included former vice presidential nominee and Governor Sarah Palin and Nick Begich, whose grandfather represented the seat in the '70s. They will all face off again in November.

It's also the state's first election using ranked-choice voting.

Joining me now to discuss her win is congresswoman-elect Mary Peltola.

Congratulations.

Mary Peltola (D), Alaska Congresswoman-Elect: Thank you, Judy. Good to be with you.

Judy Woodruff:

So, we looked at this. There were originally dozens of people in this race. Alaska's only been represented in Congress in the House by a Republican for, what, almost 50 years.

You were running against two Republicans, well-known. You came in as almost an unknown. How did you do it?

Mary Peltola:

Well, like you say, Judy, it was a large field of 48.

And, luckily, this year, we are using this — the ranked-choice voting system. And I think that Alaskans just really had an appetite for candidates who really wanted to stick to the issues and not get involved in partisan pettiness. And I think that really helped the — my campaign.

Judy Woodruff:

You mentioned that it was ranked-choice.

And I think what surprised a lot of people is that something like 30 percent of Mr. Begich's vote, when they were doing the second round of counting, went to you. He's a Republican. You're a Democrat. How do you figure that?

Mary Peltola:

Well, I think Alaskans just tend to vote for the person, and not necessarily the party affiliation.

I think that folks who are interested in public policy, in making sure our economy stays on track and we're doing things to try to manage our inflation and logistic supply chain issues and things like that did find me appealing. I did serve 10 years in the state House of Representatives.

I served in a very bipartisan way. I was instrumental in reestablishing what we refer to as our Bush Caucus. And that's really 10 House districts off of the road system representing rural and remote districts. And, typically, our caucus of 10 had five Republicans and five Democrats.

And although I was in the minority the 10 years I served in the legislature, I was an effective legislator. I was able to bring home capital projects. I was able to pass legislation and build coalitions to get Alaska moving forward.

Judy Woodruff:

You would be, as we reported, the first Native Alaskan to serve in Congress.

But I noticed that you said last night — and I'm quoting — you said you're much more than just your ethnicity. What does that mean?

Mary Peltola:

Well, clearly, it is of significance that an Alaskan Native is now part of our congressional delegation, even if it's just the short term, the short seat.

Alaska Natives have been here for a very long time. And we have not necessarily been reflected in the democratic process or among policymakers at the table with really a position at the table.

But Alaska is a very diverse state. We have people from all over the world. The Anchorage School District has over 90 languages spoken in homes in the Anchorage School District. So, clearly, we're a very diverse people across our state, but we have a common future.

And I just really want to make it clear that I intend to represent all Alaskans, regardless of their ethnic background.

Judy Woodruff:

So you're not saying you don't feel a special responsibility to represent Native Alaskans?

Mary Peltola:

Well, that's certainly there. And it is significant that we now have representation representing Alaska's first people.

But Alaska — Alaska Natives only comprise about 16 percent of the Alaskan population. And we just have to make sure that, because we only have one congressman for the entire state of Alaska, we need to make sure that that one congressman is really working on behalf of all Alaskans.

Judy Woodruff:

You mentioned this race is over, but, in two months, you're going to be running a race all over again, regularly scheduled election.

Your communications person was telling my colleagues that this is going to be tougher, that the Republicans — you expect the Republicans to circle the wagons, spend a lot of money. How's it going to be different, do you think?

Mary Peltola:

Well, I will be multitasking here.

I will be doing my very best to make sure that our constituent relations team is doing everything they can to make sure that Alaskans have their constituent needs met. You mentioned our congressman passed away back in March, and his office has been closed for a number of months.

Our congressional delegation only has three people. So, having that person missing leaves a huge gap in our very small congressional delegation. So, I will be working very hard to make sure that that front is taken care of. I need to be making sure that I'm learning the lay of the land in Washington, D.C., and building quality, positive relationships with colleagues and seeing where I can work at building coalitions to overcome some of Alaska's challenges and capitalize on our opportunities.

But I am very focused on November, because that really is what we're all most interested in, is that two-year seat.

Judy Woodruff:

And Republicans are clearly going to be trying, are trying to tie you to the national Democratic Party.

I want to ask you about one issue. President Biden in the last few days has been talking about an assault weapons ban. Is this something you would support if it came up for a vote, which I understand it may come up in the months to come?

Mary Peltola:

Well, I will need to look more carefully at the details of that proposal.

I think it is noteworthy that Bethel, Alaska, my hometown, had the first school shooting in our nation. I think that many of us — I'm a mom. I'm a grandmother. Of course, I'm very concerned about this epidemic that we're seeing.

But I do want to make sure that Alaskans understand that I am a staunch advocate for our Second Amendment rights. I myself have 176 long guns in my home. We are avid hunters. We are very, very tied to our subsistence resources and having access to wild game.

And, really, the most important factor in terms of being a successful hunter is having access to guns and ammunition.

Judy Woodruff:

Let me just finally ask you, does your win, do you think, spell good news for Democrats in November, or do you think it may not say anything to the party about what's going to happen in the House for Democrats?

Mary Peltola:

Well, I don't think they're is much good to be made from making predictions, especially political predictions.

I am not one to want to jinx anything. So I will reserve judgment until November 8.

Judy Woodruff:

We will leave it at that.

And we will congratulate you again, Mary Peltola, newly elected congresswoman from the state of Alaska.

Thank you.

Mary Peltola:

Thank you, Judy.