Beverly Hoffman, a community activist in Bethel, Alaska, is showing her support for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris by putting up campaign signs in the town, despite the state’s history of supporting Republican presidential candidates. Alaska has become an unexpected topic of conversation for Democratic strategists due to a recent poll showing Harris trailing former President Donald Trump by just 5 percentage points in the state.
Although winning Alaska may be a challenge for Harris, there are signs of enthusiasm for her and her running mate Tim Walz. However, Alaska remains heavily reliant on industries like oil and gas, which have traditionally resulted in support for Republican candidates. Democratic National Committee officials have not heavily invested in the state this election cycle, and Harris and Walz do not have plans to campaign in Alaska.
On the other hand, Democrat Mary Peltola, who flipped the state’s sole congressional seat in 2022, is facing a tough reelection fight in a predominantly Republican district. Peltola, an Alaska Native, has shown support for the fossil fuel industry, which is a major player in the state’s economy.
Despite the challenges, local Democrats see potential for change in Alaska, with a growing population in Anchorage and a new primary system that allows for more centrist candidates to succeed. As the state considers changes to its primary and voting systems, the future of Alaska’s political landscape remains uncertain.
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