A Chamber endorsement for Begich, labor's backing for Hill

Rep. Nick Begich's campaign said Monday that he has been endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a national business group, days after House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned for him in Alaska — the latest signals in a U.S. House race that has drawn national attention.

The campaign posted an endorsement graphic, and Begich, in a separate post, called it "an honor to be supported by the U.S. Chamber," tying it to his votes on federal tax policy, including what he described as tax relief and lasting improvements for small businesses. The Chamber, one of the country's largest business organizations, is a longtime player in federal races. Endorsements like it are campaign signals, not predictions of the outcome.

Begich's main challenger, independent Bill Hill, has drawn his own institutional backing from the other side. The Alaska AFL-CIO endorsed Hill in June, saying its affiliated unions represent more than 50,000 workers statewide. The two endorsements fall along familiar lines — a national business group behind the Republican incumbent, a state labor federation behind the independent — in a crowded field where 15 candidates filed for the at-large seat.

Alaska News has previously reported that Begich entered the final stretch with a fundraising lead, with Hill the leading challenger. Johnson appeared with Begich at a closed campaign event near Palmer on Friday. The primary is Aug. 18.