Incumbent Rep. Nick Begich III (left) faces a competitive field in Alaska’s 2026 U.S. House race, including challengers Matt Schultz (top), Bill Hill (middle) and Matthew ‘Bronco’ Williams (bottom). Photos of John Williams and Gavin Solomon were not available at press time.
A crowded field of challengers hopes to sway Alaskans on healthcare, education, and local priorities
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | April 4, 2026
Alaska voters are gearing up for a high-stakes race for the state’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Incumbent Rep. Nick Begich III, who unseated Democrat Mary Peltola in 2024, faces a crowded and diverse field of challengers this year. With Alaska’s unique challenges, including rural healthcare, energy, fisheries, and local infrastructure, the outcome will directly affect families, seniors, and small business owners across the state.
The 2026 U.S. House race is more than a political contest. Its outcome could directly affect whether families can afford healthcare, how well local schools are funded, whether rural roads and airports get the maintenance they need, and the economic opportunities available to small business owners across Alaska. Nationally, the race is being framed as a referendum on former President Trump’s first two years in office, but Alaskans are focused on who will stand up for their values and address the issues that touch their daily lives. Begich’s early legislative record includes some wins for Alaska, but also votes, such as opposing extended health insurance subsidies, that may make life harder for families, seniors, and rural residents. The challengers bring fresh perspectives rooted in Alaska communities, offering voters a choice between new ideas and the influence of a first-term representative in Washington.
Begich’s Record and Influence
Begich enters the race with substantial advantages. He has raised roughly $3.2 million, with over $2.2 million cash on hand, and has made self-loans to his campaign that can later be repaid with donations. His committee assignments and subcommittee roles give him a voice on energy, mineral, and Alaska-focused issues.
Begich’s voting record shows strong alignment with Republican leadership and Trump administration priorities on national policy. Votes supporting energy development, fiscal restraint, and regulatory rollbacks primarily benefit national industries and large corporations, while some votes, such as opposing the three-year extension of federal health insurance subsidies, have raised concern among families, seniors, and rural residents seeking more affordable healthcare. His record includes support for bipartisan Alaska-specific legislation, including Native land rights and rural airport relief.
Begich’s position on the GovTrack ideology-leadership chart shows him as right of center but low on House leadership, suggesting that while he is ideologically aligned with the party, his influence on national legislation is still developing. The long-pending issue of making Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend federally tax-exempt illustrates the limits of influence. While overwhelmingly popular in Alaska, advancing it in Congress requires trade-offs, such as concessions on federal spending or other measures favored by lawmakers outside the state. Until those are negotiated, the PFD exemption remains in “pending” status.
Key Votes: Nick Begich III
| Issue | Impact on Alaskans | Status/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Three-year extension of federal health insurance subsidies | Helps families, seniors, and rural residents maintain affordable healthcare coverage | Voted no: Begich voted against the extension, potentially making healthcare less affordable. Vote taken in 2026 |
| Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act | Protects Native land and community rights | Sponsored and enacted |
| Rural airport and aviation infrastructure relief | Supports safe travel and transport in remote communities | Supported legislation |
| PFD federal tax exemption | Would allow Alaskans to keep more of their Permanent Fund Dividend | Pending: measure remains stalled, requiring trade-offs in federal spending or other concessions |
| Ideology and Leadership | Aligns with Republican priorities, limited House leadership influence | GovTrack shows right-of-center, low leadership score |
Challengers Bring Local Focus and Fresh Ideas
Matt Schultz, an Anchorage pastor, emphasizes community engagement, economic opportunity, and social support programs. He seeks to ensure that local communities have a voice in how federal dollars are spent and wants to bolster initiatives that directly benefit families and small businesses.
John Williams, a Fairbanks history teacher, highlights education funding and civic participation. He stresses preparing Alaska’s students for the future while fostering a government that listens to residents in every corner of the state.
Bill Hill, a commercial fisherman and former Bristol Bay School District superintendent, focuses on rural infrastructure and sustainable fisheries. His campaigns underline protecting Alaska’s natural resources while ensuring communities have the roads, ports, and services they need to thrive.
Matthew “Bronco” Williams, 28, a mathematics and science teacher at Anchorage Lutheran School, previously ran for office in Mississippi. He campaigns on healing the economy, improving education, and protecting the environment. “I want Alaskans to see their voices reflected in Washington,” Williams says, underscoring his outsider perspective and focus on local needs.
Gavin Solomon has filed paperwork to run, though his political affiliation has not yet been publicly designated.
Other candidates who complete final filings may be added ahead of Alaska’s primary ballot. The deadline to file for Alaska’s sole U.S. House seat is June 1. Alaska’s open primary election system means the top four vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the November 3 election.
Sources
- GovTrack, Nicholas Begich III profile, https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/nicholas_begich/456970
- OpenSecrets, Nick Begich campaign finance filings, https://www.opensecrets.org
- Alaska Division of Elections, candidate filings and election info, https://www.elections.alaska.gov
- Candidate campaign websites and public statements
