Wind in Democrats’ sails as Sarah Palin humbled in Alaska special election

Mary Peltola's victory delivers blow to Palin's hopes of political comeback and prompts concern for Republicans in midterms

A special election for Alaska's only seat in the US House was won by the Democrat Mary Peltola, delivering a blow to the former vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin's hopes of a political comeback and putting wind in the sails of the Democratic party as it heads for November's midterm elections.

Peltola's victory, by 51.5% to 48.5%, marks a stunning turnaround in a state known for its solid conservative leanings. The single House seat was held for almost 50 years by the Republican Don Young, until his death in March.