Small-town Alaska fisherman has Republicans on the defensive as they try to keep US House majority

Independent candidate Bill Hill returned to Bristol Bay during Alaska’s primary season, pausing his U.S. House campaign to fish as the world’s largest sockeye salmon run began. The 57-year-old, an Alaska Native and former teacher/school administrator, said commercial fishing is how he “pays the bills.” Hill, who lives in a remote community of about 430 people, is running against Republican Nick Begich, seeking a second term. Hill’s message centers on affordability and resisting billionaire influence, a contrast to Begich’s family political legacy. Republicans worry the race threatens their narrow House majority, with JD Vance and Donald Trump set to campaign. Hill claims 20,000-plus miles traveled.