Politics

Federal inmate in New York advances in Alaska U.S. House primary

Registered Democrat Eric Hafner qualified for Alaska's general election ballot after a higher-finishing candidate withdrew from the top-four primary.

Updated Aug 26, 2026 · 23:18 UTC4 reports

The short version

Eric Hafner, an inmate currently serving a federal prison sentence in New York, advanced to the general election in Alaska's U.S. House race.
Under Alaska's top-four primary system, Hafner moved up after third-place finisher Matt Schultz withdrew from the race.
Hafner's candidacy is expected to face legal challenges over constitutional residency requirements, as he holds no apparent ties to Alaska.

Eric Hafner, a registered Democrat serving a federal prison sentence in New York set to end in 2036, advanced from Alaska's U.S. House primary.[Associated Press · The Guardian · ABC News · ABC News]
Hafner pleaded guilty in 2022 to charges involving threats against police officers and judges.[Associated Press · The Guardian · ABC News · ABC News]
Hafner garnered 5,757 votes with 93% of ballots counted, moving into position to advance after third-place finisher Matt Schultz withdrew.[Associated Press · The Guardian · ABC News · ABC News]
In candidate filings, Hafner provided a South Dakota mailing address and a New York phone number.[Associated Press · The Guardian · ABC News · ABC News]
Incumbent Republican Rep. Nick Begich and independent Bill Hill are the leading candidates in the race.[Associated Press · The Guardian · ABC News · ABC News]

The exact fourth-place finisher in the primary remains uncalled.[Associated Press · The Guardian · ABC News · ABC News]
Whether anticipated legal challenges regarding U.S. Constitution residency requirements will disqualify Hafner from the general election ballot.[Associated Press · The Guardian · ABC News · ABC News]