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Alaska voters to decide future of ranked choice voting following candidate dropouts

Multiple candidates exited key statewide races after advancing, reviving debate ahead of a fall repeal referendum.

Updated Sep 20, 2026 · 18:20 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • Alaska voters will decide this fall whether to keep or repeal the state's open primary and ranked choice voting system.[PBS NewsHour]
  • At least five candidates withdrew across races for governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House after successfully advancing from the primary.[PBS NewsHour]
  • Gubernatorial candidate Tom Begich dropped out after placing second, endorsing front-runner Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins to consolidate resources.[PBS NewsHour]
  • The upcoming vote will determine whether Alaska retains the election model or reverts to traditional primary voting.[PBS NewsHour]

Key facts

  • Alaska voters will vote this fall on whether to keep or eliminate the state's election method.[PBS NewsHour]
  • At least five contenders in races for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and governor dropped out after advancing from the primary.[PBS NewsHour]
  • Democrat Tom Begich withdrew from the gubernatorial contest following a second-place finish and endorsed Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.[PBS NewsHour]
  • Democrat John Williams pulled out of the U.S. House race after securing less than 3% of the vote.[ABC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The final outcome of the fall vote on whether to retain or repeal ranked choice voting remains undetermined.[PBS NewsHour]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.