Young defeated Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell, endorsed by Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, by 304 votes, 48,195 to 47,891, The New York Times reported Thursday.

The Republican primary was Aug. 26, and the prolonged vote count -- it ended Wednesday -- shortened the time Young has to campaign against Democratic challenger Ethan Berkowitz.

Berkowitz, a former Democratic leader in the state House, has led Young by double digits in several state polls, the Times said.

Young has become part of an expanding federal inquiry into Alaska politics and government. The investigation, centered on lawmakers' ties to executives at an oil services company, resulted in convictions of three state lawmakers, charges against several others and, the indictment of U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens.

Young has not been charged.