Alaska Republicans on Tuesday helped Sen. Lisa Murkowski and former Gov. Sarah Palin advance in their election bids under the state’s new voting system, NPR reports.
This year marks the first time Alaska is using a new style of voting: an open primary including members of both parties with the four top vote-getters advancing to the general election. The general election will utilize ranked-choice voting.
Palin on Tuesday complained about the “first test case of the crazy, convoluted, undesirable ranked-choice voting system."
The new voting method was approved by voters in a referendum.
Murkowski advances:
Murkowski, who was targeted by former President Donald Trump after voting to convict him in the Senate impeachment trial, advanced in the race along with Trump-backed challenger Kelly Tshibaka.
Murkowski has angered conservatives by criticizing Trump but her name is Alaska royalty: her father held the Senate seat from 1981 until she replaced him in 2022.
Tshibaka called the results "the first step in breaking the Murkowski monarchy's grip on Alaska."
Palin, too:
Palin, who is running for Alaska’s lone House seat, also advanced in the primary along with Republican Nick Begich, Democrat Mary Peltola and Republican Tara Sweeney.
Palin came under attack by Begich, whose ad lamented the state’s “years of disasters.”
“Sarah Palin is one disaster we can actually avoid,” the ad said.
Palin called out Begich over his wealth, which he used to self-fund his campaign.
Palin said she is “not a millionaire. I am just like every other regular Alaskan, and I understand the economic struggles that Alaskans face first-hand. My priorities are the priorities of everyday Alaskans."
