I just watched the livestream election results, and pending confirmation it looks like Mary Peltola has won the US House election by edging out Sarah Palin. 91k votes to Palin’s 88k, roughly.
This was an amazing first test of ranked choice voting, and shows how RCV can prevent an ideologue who is disliked by the majority from taking office. Palin beat the other Republican (Nick Begich) but did not have enough support to get over 50%. Peltola is an eminently qualified candidate with low negatives- exactly the person to win as a Democratic, even in a reddish state like Alaska.
Confirmed via the Anchorage Daily News: Democrat Mary Peltola wins special U.S. House election, will be first Alaska Native elected to Congress
Giant congratulations to Mary Peltola for her win, and for being the first Alaska Native elected to Congress. Such a good moment to have her voice be heard on climate issues, among many others.
I hope this result bodes well for us all!