Incarcerated man advances in primary for Alaska US House seat

A man serving a federal prison sentence in New York has unexpectedly advanced in the primary election for Alaska's sole U.S. House seat. Eric Hafner, a registered Democrat, previously ran for the same seat in 2024 and successfully secured a spot on the general election ballot that year, even facing a challenge from the Alaska Democratic Party.

Hafner pleaded guilty in 2022 to charges of making threats against law enforcement officers, judges, and others. He is currently scheduled for release in 2036. His candidacy and advancement raise significant questions, as the U.S. Constitution requires candidates to reside in the state they intend to represent at the time of the election.

In candidate information filed with the state, Hafner listed a mailing address in Box Elder, South Dakota, and a New York phone number belonging to his mother, Carol Hafner. Neither has any apparent ties to Alaska. Carol Hafner, who also ran unsuccessfully in this year's state U.S. Senate primary, appears to be managing his campaign logistics.

Under Alaska's unique election system, the top four primary finishers advance to the general election, irrespective of party affiliation. Eric Hafner garnered 5,757 votes after 93% of ballots were counted. While this placed him behind the third-place candidate, Democrat Matt Schultz, Schultz had withdrawn from the general election and was ineligible to advance. The fourth-place finisher remained too early to call.