By Canadian Press

Republican Sweeney plans to withdraw from Alaska House race

Aug 23, 2022 | 2:51 PM

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Republican U.S. House candidate Tara Sweeney said Tuesday she plans to end her campaign, saying she does not see a path to victory or to raise the money needed to be successful in the November general election.

Sweeney was positioned in fourth place after last week’s U.S. House primary as elections officials continue to count ballots. But she was far behind the top finishers, Democrat Mary Peltola and Republicans Sarah Palin and Nick Begich, who were already set to advance to the November general election. An elections process approved by voters in 2020 calls for the top four vote-getters in a primary to advance to the general election, in which ranked choice voting will be used.

A message seeking comment was sent to the Division of Elections Tuesday.

Peltola, Palin and Begich also were the three candidates competing in last week’s ranked choice special election that will determine who serves the remainder of the late U.S. Rep. Don Young’s term, which ends early next year. The results of that election aren’t expected until Aug. 31.

Sweeney finished fifth in the June special primary but did not qualify for the special election after the third place finisher, independent Al Gross, withdrew. Gross’ name was not on the special election ballot but elections officials and the courts determined he withdrew too late for Sweeney’s name to appear.

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Sweeney announced shortly before the special election that she had filed as a write-in candidate for that race.

Sweeney, in her statement, said she would file paperwork to withdraw from the House race but did not say when. She did not say if she would endorse anyone. Her campaign manager, Karina Waller, said Sweeney’s statement would be the only one issued by the campaign Tuesday.

“This race is vitally important to Alaska’s future,” Sweeney said. “We must ensure the best representation possible is in place as Alaska’s only voice in the House of Representatives. I look forward to working with a true Alaskan willing to carry forward the legacy of Don Young while serving in Congress.”

Becky Bohrer, The Associated Press