With more votes counted, Alaska House races are split 20-20 between Republicans and others

Democratic candidate Donna Mears overtook Republican candidate Forrest Wolfe in a closely watched Alaska House race as the Alaska Division of Elections counted 27,178 early, absentee and questioned ballots, about three-fifths of the number outstanding from the Nov. 8 general election.

Additional absentee ballots are expected to arrive in the coming days, and the Division of Elections’ next scheduled count is Friday.

With Mears taking a lead, the 40-seat Alaska House is split exactly in half.

In 20 seats, Republicans lead. In the other 20, Democratic or independent candidates are leading.

Since...