Why AP called Alaska’s Senate race for Republicans

By MIKE CATALINI
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press determined Republicans will win Alaska’s U.S. Senate race race because of the state’s ranked-choice voting system even though who’ll win isn’t clear. Donald Trump-backed Kelly Tshibaka and Republican incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski were in a tight contest in early returns. The race also included Democrat Pat Chesbro and Republican Buzz Kelley, who ended his campaign in September and supported Tshibaka. Under ranked voting, ballots are counted in rounds. A candidate can win outright with more than 50% of the vote in the first round. If no one hits that threshold, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Voters who chose that candidate as their top pick have their votes count for their next choice.