Republican senator wins reelection in Alaska after defeating Trump-backed candidate

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski won reelection in the state of Alaska’s US Senate race after defeating Donald Trump-endorsed rival Kelly Tshibaka.

CBS News reported that Murkowski garnered 53.7% of the vote and Tshibaka received 46.3% in the final round under Alaska’s new ranked-choice voting system.

Murkowski's projected win, however, will not impact the Democrat-controlled Senate, which is held by 50 Democrats plus Vice President Kamala Harris' tie-breaking vote against 49 Republicans, because both of the candidates in Alaska were Republicans.

Murkowski thanked Alaska voters on Twitter, saying "I am honored that Alaskans – of all regions, backgrounds and party affiliations – have once again granted me their confidence to continue working with them and on their behalf in the U.S. Senate."

In the House race, Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola is projected to win for Alaska’s at-large congressional district.

Peltola got 55% of the vote, while her Republican rival former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin got 45%.

"WE DID IT!!!" Peltola tweeted after the victory.

As of Wednesday, Republicans had 220 seats in the House chamber, whereas Democrats had 213. The House of Representatives has 435 seats.