.MaryPeltola was the first Alaskan Native to win a House seat, and first woman to represent the state after a special election. Now, she's running again in the midterm election hoping to turn her two-month term into another two years
While these are areas that of course affect all Alaskans, Peltola also understands that she carries a special duty to make the issues of Alaska Natives specifically heard as well should she be reelected. Policymakers have long ignored issues concerning the Native population, after all: Representative Deb Haaland—a Democrat who has represented New Mexico andto lead a Cabinet agency last year—has made combating this a clear focus.
Peltola’s plan involves building bridges between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in Alaska. “One of the things that I learned very early in the political process is no matter how good a policy or an idea is, if your colleagues feel threatened by you, they’re never going to listen to you,” says Peltola.
Going into the midterms, Peltola sees huge potential in maintaining bipartisanship in the House. The representative says it’s key for the state and the nation’s survival, especially as it faces international threatssuch as Russia and China, Peltola adds. She wants Alaskans to feel like she will listen to any and all sides, not just Democrats. “We have formidable international enemies right now.
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