NRA issues rare endorsement of Democrat in backing Peltola

The National Rifle Association (NRA) issued a rare endorsement of a Democrat, backing Rep. Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) in her reelection campaign.

The endorsement of Peltola is the first NRA endorsement of a Democrat since 2020, when the association supported former Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.). It was first reported by the Washington Examiner.

Peltola is Alaska’s sole representative and an advocate for the Second Amendment. On her campaign website, she said she owns 176 long guns and dares “someone to tread on Alaskan freedoms.”

In a statement to The Hill, she said she campaigned in 2022 on a “pro-freedom platform” and continues that to this day.

“Guns are an integral part of Alaska’s culture and our subsistence lifestyles,” Peltola said. “Alaskan gun [owners] are the strongest proponents for responsible gun ownership. We pass down our knowledge and skills to our children.”

Peltola argued that the endorsement may help the country understand Alaskan culture and see “the importance of the Second Amendment in communities.”

No other Democrats in either the House or the Senate have been endorsed by the NRA so far in its 2024 Political Victory Fund.  

Peltola, a centrist Democrat, has served in Congress since 2022, when she clinched an unexpected win in the deep-red state of Alaska, beating former Gov. Sarah Palin (R).

Randy Kozuch, the Chairman of the NRA Political Victory Fund said they endorse candidates who “support and defend the Constitutional right to keep and bear arms” no matter the candidates’ party affiliation. 

“In Congress, Representative Peltola has supported efforts to rein in overreach by the ATF, voted for legislation supporting the Second Amendment rights of veterans, and voted in favor of protecting traditional ammunition,” Kozuch said in a statement to The Hill. “Given her strong record of support for gun rights and law-abiding gun owners, NRA-PVF is proud to endorse Representative Peltola for re-election.” 

This story was updated at 8:25 p.m.