The winners of the top-four blanket primary advanced to the ranked-choice runoff election, but only three candidates competed (as Al Gross withdrew and endorsed Peltola).

FairVote, a pro-RCV lobbying group, argued the low number of spoiled ballots proved Alaskans could use and understand the system.

[12][13][14] Although Mary Peltola received a plurality of first choice votes and won in the final round, a majority of voters ranked her last or left her off their ballot entirely.

[12][15][16] However, Palin spoiled the election by splitting the first-round vote, leading to Begich's elimination and costing Republicans the seat.

[40] State legislators Local officials Organizations Individuals U.S. executive branch officials U.S. federal legislators Individuals Organizations U.S. federal legislators State officials State legislators Local officials Individuals Labor unions Organizations Tribes Al Gross vs. Sarah Palin vs. Lora Reinbold vs. Josh Revak Al Gross vs. Sarah Palin Al Gross vs. Josh Revak [further explanation needed] The pairwise comparison shows that Begich is the Condorcet winner (majority-preferred winner) while Palin is both the Condorcet loser and a spoiler:[80][81][82][83] Partisan clients