Former President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform on Thursday to attack Alaska's ranked-choice voting system, calling it "stupid" and urging voters to repeal it. He also rallied support for the Republican ticket in the state's upcoming elections.
"We have the Corrupt Ranked Choice System of Voting, which shouldn't be allowed in our Country and will, hopefully, be repealed in the November Vote," Trump wrote. There is no evidence that ranked-choice voting is corrupt; it is used statewide in Maine and Alaska, as well as in primaries in New York City and Washington, D.C.
Trump's criticism centers on the fact that the November governor's race will feature three Republicans and one Democrat, a result of Alaska's top-four primary system approved by voters in 2020. In that system, the top four candidates from the primary advance to the general election, where ranked-choice voting determines the winner.
The governor's race pits Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins against Republicans David Bronson, Treg Taylor, and Bernadette Wilson. In the Senate race, incumbent Republican Dan S. Sullivan faces Democrat Mary Peltola, Republican Gerald Heikes, and independent Dan J. Sullivan.
Trump is set to hold a rally in Wasilla next week to boost Republican turnout. He expressed support for Sullivan and Republican Nick Begich, who is running for the state's at-large House seat. "Alaska needs Senator Dan S. Sullivan in the Senate, and Congressman Nick Begich, in Congress — That is a fantastic team," Trump said.
The Senate race has become competitive in the historically red state, with Decision Desk HQ forecasting it "leans in favor" of Peltola. The House race is expected to go to Begich.
Alaskans will also vote on a ballot measure to repeal the top-four, ranked-choice system, a move Trump backs. A previous repeal effort narrowly failed in 2024.
The former president's comments come amid broader debates over voting systems, with some Republicans pushing for changes in other states. Trump has also been critical of other election processes, as seen in his recent actions on financial regulators. His focus on Alaska's system highlights ongoing intraparty tensions over election rules.
Political analysts note that ranked-choice voting has been a point of contention, with supporters arguing it encourages broader representation and opponents claiming it confuses voters. Trump's characterization of the system as "stupid" is likely to energize both supporters and critics ahead of the November vote.
As Trump prepares for his Alaska visit, his rhetoric underscores the stakes for the GOP in a state where Democrats have shown surprising strength in recent cycles. The outcome of the Senate race could influence control of the chamber, making the ranked-choice repeal measure a key test of voter sentiment.
