2009, Massachusetts elected Republican Scott Brown. 2016 presidential election: Donald Trump was elected as the president of the United States over Hillary Clinton, despite many media sources showing her leading in both national and statewide opinion polls, and Trump ultimately losing the popular vote to her. 2022 United States House special election in Alaska: As a result of 49-year incumbent Don Young's death on March 18, 2022, Alaska elected Democrat Mary Peltola over Republican Sarah Palin, who had been the Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008. See also Cinderella (sports) Dark horse References Competition Terminology used in multiple sports