In a surprise move, two Alaska Republican lawmakers, Tom McKay and Jesse Sumner, are abandoning their re-election bids. They’re joining Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, also exiting the U.S. House race.
Sumner, representing House District 28, cited family reasons for his withdrawal. With three young sons and a 10-month-old daughter, he wants to be present for milestones like learning to walk and talk. Despite leading in the polls, Sumner is stepping aside to prioritize family.
Meanwhile, McKay is dropping his Senate bid against incumbent Democrat Matt Claman. McKay trailed Claman by over 2,300 votes in the open primary and was narrowly behind fellow Republican Liz Vazquez. With McKay out, Vazquez will face Claman in a head-to-head matchup.
McKay’s reasons for withdrawing are unknown, as he hasn’t responded to inquiries. However, his exit shakes up the political landscape.
These sudden withdrawals highlight the intense competition within the Republican party. Both McKay and Sumner faced challenges from within their ranks, ultimately deciding to bow out.
The move also clears the path for other candidates. Vazquez will now face Claman directly, while Sumner’s exit opens up opportunities for his challengers, including Elexie Moore.
In Alaska’s political arena, these unexpected withdrawals will have far-reaching consequences. As the races heat up, voters will watch closely how the remaining candidates respond.
This news story was originally published by Alaska News Source.
