Inmate Eric Hafner Advances in Alaska House Election

Eric Hafner, a registered Democrat currently serving a federal prison sentence in New York, has advanced to the general election for Alaska's only US House seat after participating in the state's primary election. Hafner previously contested the same seat in 2024 and made it onto the general election ballot despite a legal challenge from the Alaska Democratic Party.

He pleaded guilty in 2022 to federal charges involving threats against police officers and judges and is expected to remain incarcerated until 2036. His candidacy has sparked concerns regarding his residency and eligibility, as the US Constitution mandates that a member of Congress must be an inhabitant of the state they represent.

Hafner's candidate filing listed a Box Elder, South Dakota mailing address and a New York telephone number associated with his mother, Carol Hafner, who has also sought public office. In the primary, Hafner received 5,757 votes, advancing due to Matt Schultz's withdrawal from the general election.

The leading contenders include incumbent Republican Nick Begich and independent candidate Bill Hill.