Breaking: Matt Schultz suspends campaign

By SUZANNE DOWNING

July 17, 2026 – Democrat Matt Schultz suspended his campaign for Alaska’s lone US House seat Friday and endorsed undeclared candidate Bill Hill, clearing away Hill’s most significant competition for the anti-Begich vote.

Schultz, a radical Anchorage pastor who had been the Democratic Party’s leading candidate against Republican Congressman Nick Begich, announced his withdrawal on social media.

“Today, I am suspending my campaign and asking Alaskans to vote for Bill Hill in November,” Schultz wrote.

Schultz blamed both Republican spending and a lack of support from his own party’s institutions.

“I am disappointed by Republican outside groups meddling in this race and by the lack of meaningful support from Democratic institutions,” he said. “But defeating Nick Begich and restoring a Democratic House majority must come before any one candidate.”

That statement removes much of the mystery surrounding Hill’s role in the race.

Hill, a Bristol Bay commercial fisherman and retired educator, is running without a party label. He has attempted to present himself as an independent-minded candidate modeled in part after the late Republican Congressman Don Young. It’s not in line with his record, however.

When asked directly in June whether he would caucus with Democrats or Republicans if elected, Hill refused to answer, saying, “Guess we’ll find out.”

Schultz’s announcement offers a substantial clue: Alaska’s leading Democratic House candidate is stepping aside specifically to help Hill defeat Begich and restore a Democratic majority in Washington.

In practical terms, Hill is now positioned to become the principal Democrat-aligned challenger to Begich, despite appearing on the ballot without a Democratic Party designation. Schultz’s endorsement may help Hill consolidate Democratic donors, activists and voters behind a candidate whose undeclared label could appeal to Alaskans reluctant to vote for someone formally identified as a Democrat.

Hill had already demonstrated considerable fundraising strength. Federal campaign finance reports through March 31 showed Hill had raised approximately $783,000 and retained about $595,000 in cash. Schultz had raised roughly $580,000 and reported about $348,000 available. Begich remained far ahead, with more than $4.3 million raised and approximately $2.8 million in cash at that point.

Schultz thanked those who hosted campaign events, contributed money, made telephone calls and helped him travel around Alaska.

“This campaign was built by people who believe politics can still be rooted in service, integrity, and care for our neighbors,” he wrote. “I will never forget the trust you placed in me or the stories you shared along the way.”

He said he would continue working for “justice, a government that serves people first, and an end to the corrupting influence of big money in our politics.”

Because Schultz suspended his campaign after Alaska’s candidate-withdrawal period, his name may remain on the Aug. 18 primary ballot. Alaska’s open primary advances the top four finishers to the Nov. 3 general election.

Other candidates remain in the race, but Schultz’s departure eliminates Hill’s strongest competitor on the political left and gives him a clearer shot at a November contest against Begich.

Hill may be undeclared on paper. Schultz’s parting message makes clear which side is counting on him in Congress.