Former Attorney General Warns Voters Against Inmate on Ballot
In a column published by the Anchorage Daily News, former Alaska Attorney General Bruce Botelho argues that voters should reject Eric Hafner, an inmate currently serving a federal prison sentence, in the upcoming U.S. House race. Botelho cautions that Hafner’s presence on the ballot as a registered Democrat creates confusion that could inadvertently swing the closely contested November election.
Botelho writes that Hafner is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to threatening to kill public officials, police officers, and attorneys, alongside their families. Botelho states Hafner is scheduled to remain in prison until 2036 and has no ties to Alaska. Despite his incarceration, Hafner previously ran for Alaska’s U.S. House seat from prison in 2024, securing 3,558 first-choice votes from Alaskans.
Ballot Confusion and the Risk of Split Votes
Statewide elections in Alaska frequently come down to margins of fewer than 10,000 votes, raising concerns that Hafner could capture a significant share of ballots simply by holding the Democratic party label. Botelho warns that voters might mistake the party designation for an official endorsement by the Alaska Democratic Party, which has instead thrown its support behind independent candidate Bill Hill.
To counter potential voter confusion, Botelho urges community members to inform their neighbors about Hafner’s background and prison status. He notes that the only label voters should associate with the candidate is Inmate #57847, emphasizing that a political party affiliation functions independently of a candidate’s personal character or actual qualifications for office. A party label is not a character reference,
as noted in reporting featuring independent House candidate Bill Hill speaking at a campaign fundraising event in Juneau, Alaska, on June 4, 2026. I urge Alaskans to reject Hafner and vote for Bill Hill — a candidate committed to serving our state and its people. The only label Alaskans should remember regarding Hafner is “Inmate #57847,
Bruce Botelho wrote.
Endorsement of Independent Bill Hill
Botelho’s commentary formally endorses Bill Hill, an independent candidate whose background includes growing up in rural Alaska, commercial fishing, teaching, and running a small business. Hill’s campaign platform centers on lowering the cost of fuel, groceries, and healthcare for Alaska families, while addressing Washington-based corruption and holding major corporations accountable.
The endorsement stresses that voters should evaluate candidates based on concrete records, life experience, and practical commitments to the state rather than relying solely on party designations printed on election ballots.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Alaska U.S. House Race
Why is an incarcerated federal inmate appearing on the Alaska ballot?
Eric Hafner qualified for the ballot as a registered Democrat, despite having no residency or personal history in Alaska.
How many votes did Hafner receive in the previous election cycle?
During the 2024 U.S. House race in Alaska, a total of 3,558 voters ranked Hafner first on their ballots. Botelho notes that many of those voters likely cast their ballots without realizing the candidate was serving a federal prison sentence.
Who has the Alaska Democratic Party endorsed in this election?
The Alaska Democratic Party has endorsed independent candidate Bill Hill for the U.S. House seat.
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