Small-Town Alaska Fisherman Puts Republicans on Defense in House Fight

As Alaska’s primary season intensified, independent U.S. House candidate Bill Hill left the campaign trail to return to Bristol Bay as the sockeye salmon run began. The 57-year-old said he told his team he “has got to fish,” arguing commercial fishing is what pays his bills. Hill, an Alaska Native and first-time candidate, lives in a remote community of about 430 residents and has spent nearly half his life there. A former teacher and school administrator, he frames his run around working-class affordability concerns, targeting soaring fuel and living costs. Hill challenges incumbent Republican Nick Begich, seeking a second term, as Republicans try to protect their narrow House majority. Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump are scheduled for rallies, and Hill says he has traveled more than 20,000 miles across Alaska to meet voters.