Polling Data in Alaska’s At-Large Congressional Race Shows Strong Path to Victory for Independent Candidate
Date Published: September 17, 2026
Polling Shows a Clear Preference for Independent Candidates in Alaska
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Independent Leadership Council (ILC) today released a poll by the Bullfinch Group looking at Alaska's At-Large Congressional race between independent Bill Hill, Republican Nicholas Begich, Democrat Eric Hafner, and Liberitarian Jim McDermott.
The poll shows independent Bill Hill has a strong path to victory running as a true independent, but no path if he chooses to affiliate with either party. The polling stands with Begich leading Hill in the first tabulation 44.2% to 36.6% with 9.9% of voters still undecided. In the final round of Alaska’s ranked choice voting system, Begich narrowly surpasses Hill 52% to 48%.
Adam Brandon, co-founder of the ILC said: “The polls paint a clear picture: Bill Hill is the candidate Alaskans want representing them in Congress but only if he is a true independent. Independents are gaining traction across the country and Bill Hill has the opportunity to capitalize on this unique moment in history.”
Other questions on the poll reveal Alaskans’ strong dislike of party systems and party candidates and preference for independent options. According to voter registration statistics, 63 percent of registered voters in Alaska choose not to identify with a party. The poll demonstrates that more than half of Alaskans have a negative view of both the Republican and Democratic Party and nearly 75 percent of Alaskans have a favorable opinion of an elected official who does not take a political side but rather is willing to work with both sides of the aisle.
The poll further demonstrates Alaskans strong preference for independent candidates, highlighting that 7-in-10 Alaskans view the role of independents as a defender of our democracy and 6-in-10 would prefer “a candidate who does not caucus with either major political party.”
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About the Independent Leadership Council
The Independent Leadership Council is a national organization dedicated to electing independent-minded leaders to Congress who refuse to caucus with either political party and commit to full transparency and accountability to the voters they serve.
Media Contacts:
Alex Comisar | acomisar@actumllc.com | (214) 728-4909
Liam Dineen-Herzog | ldineenherzog@actumllc.com | (475) 204-1155