Democrat · Alaska at large · 2026
Eric Hafner
Hafner grew up in New Jersey and has repeatedly run for office outside his home state.
Biography
Eric Hafner is campaigning for Congress from federal prison, where he is serving a twenty year sentence for threats and false bomb threats involving New Jersey officials and others.12 He pleaded guilty to federal charges in 2022.2 His mother, Carol, known as Kitty, also filed for Alaska's U.S. Senate race in 2026.1
Federal court records identify Hafner as a former Monmouth County, New Jersey, resident.2 He previously ran for Alaska's House seat in 2024, despite having no apparent ties to the state.3 He finished sixth in that primary, then advanced after two Republican candidates withdrew.3 The Alaska Democratic Party sued to remove him, but the state Supreme Court allowed him to remain on the November 2024 ballot.3
In his 2024 official voter pamphlet statement, Hafner supported broader access to higher education and women's ability to make medical decisions.4 He also cited the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as an example of resources he believed should be protected.4 The statement emphasized avoiding war and working across communities to solve public problems.4
He appears as the Democrat in the 2026 four candidate general election field, alongside Republican incumbent Nick Begich III, independent Bill Hill and Libertarian Jim McDermott.5 Alaska uses ranked choice voting for the general election, allowing voters to rank the finalists and transfer preferences if no candidate wins an initial majority.6
Record and controversies
Federal conviction and campaign from prison
The Justice Department's sentencing account says Hafner threatened public officials and others between 2016 and 2018 while living outside the United States, sought $350,000 from some victims and made false bomb threats.2 He pleaded guilty in May 2022 and received the twenty year sentence in December 2023.2
Alaska's News Source quoted a 2024 interview in which Hafner called the case outrageous.1 The Alaska Supreme Court decision mentioned in his biography addressed his access to the ballot for the 2024 election.3