They served in Congress and on the N.R.A.’s board at the same time. Over decades, a small group of legislators led by a prominent Democrat pushed the gun lobby to help transform the law, the courts and views on the Second Amendment.
Representative Mary Peltola was sworn in as the first Alaska Native and first woman to represent her state in the House. She has eight weeks before she faces voters again.
Mary Peltola, a Democrat, and Nick Begich III, a Republican from Alaska’s most prominent Democratic political dynasty, advanced along with the former governor.
As Ms. Palin seeks the state’s lone House seat in elections on Tuesday, voters appeared torn on whether she remained committed to them or had abandoned them for national fame.