Inmate on 20-Year Sentence Runs for Alaska House Seat

In Juneau, Alaska, a man serving a 20-year prison sentence for threatening officials in New Jersey has qualified for the general election ballot for the U.S. House seat. Eric Hafner, convicted in 2022, initially placed sixth in the ranked choice primary but advanced due to withdrawals from other candidates, including Republican Matthew Salisbury and Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom. This leaves him competing against Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, Republican Nick Begich, and Alaskan Independence Party chairman John Wayne Howe. Despite receiving only 0.43% of the primary vote, Hafner's presence on the ballot is legally permissible as Alaska has no laws barring felons from running for office. However, he faces significant challenges, including the requirement for U.S. representatives to reside in the state. Hafner is currently incarcerated at a federal prison in Otisville, New York, with a release date set for October 12, 2036, and has no known ties to Alaska. This is not Hafner's first attempt at a congressional seat; he has previously run unsuccessfully in Hawaii and Oregon and has filed numerous failed lawsuits in various states claiming candidacy. His situation raises questions about the implications of allowing incarcerated individuals to run for office, particularly regarding residency requirements and the legitimacy of their candidacies. As the election approaches, Hafner's campaign will likely be viewed as a long shot, given his lack of local support and the practical challenges of serving as a representative from prison. The unfolding events highlight the complexities of electoral laws and the unique circumstances surrounding candidates with criminal backgrounds.