Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Tom Begich exits Alaska race, backs fellow Democrat

Alaska Democratic candidate Tom Begich ended his bid for governor, pointing to insufficient fundraising and the strategic need for a unified Democratic front. In a recorded message, Begich and his lieutenant, former Biden administration staffer Julia Hnilicka, urged supporters to rally behind Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, who topped the open primary among Democrats. Begich argued that dividing donor resources would weaken the party's prospects against the GOP.

The primary results showed Kreiss-Tomkins with 22.5% of the vote, Begich 20.8%, while Republicans Bernadette Wilson and Dave Bronson earned 10% and 8.1% respectively. Wilson called for Republican unity, and Bronson, with running mate Josh Church, affirmed his continued campaign, citing a broad conservative coalition. The race will determine the successor to term-limited Governor Mike Dunleavy, a seat the Cook Political Report rates as Likely Republican.