Alaska State Sen. Shelley Hughes is set to make a major announcement about her political future this evening at a public gathering in Palmer. Political prognosticators believe she is announcing her long-awaited run for governor.
The event will take place at 6:30 pm in the recently refurbished barn at Rebarchek Park, located on the south end of the Alaska State Fairgrounds, just outside the gated area.
In a preview statement, Hughes struck an optimistic tone about the road ahead: “We are on the verge of big and new things in Alaska,” Hughes said. “But we need to be smart in the meantime. If we do things right, I have no doubt that the sun will be rising in our great state in a game-changing way — in a way that will positively and multi-generationally impact our livelihoods and our pursuit of happiness. We’ve always known Alaska has promising potential. It’s time we work together to unleash and realize it.”
Hughes began her public service in the Alaska House of Representatives in 2013 before moving to the Senate in 2017. She has represented the Palmer area and surrounding communities for over a decade. Her district has included greater Palmer, Chugiak, Knik-Fairview, and Settlers Bay. Over the years, she has held key leadership roles including Senate Majority Leader, Chair of both the Judiciary and Education Committees, and a seat on the influential Senate Resources Committee.
Hughes has also had a strong footprint nationally. She currently serves as vice chair of the National Federalism Commission, focusing on restoring balance between federal and state authority. She is Alaska’s delegate to the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Artificial Intelligence Task Force, and she chairs a 36-member bipartisan working group aimed at strengthening food security and growing Alaska’s agriculture sector. Additionally, she sits on the national board of the State Agriculture and Rural Leaders.
Known as one of the most accessible legislators in Juneau, Hughes has built her career on listening to constituents and emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.
Those unable to attend the announcement in person can tune in virtually via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2036153616?omn=86320546025
Meeting ID: 203 615 3616
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Hughes has not revealed the specific nature of her announcement, but it’s a poorly kept secret that she is running for statewide office.
She’s resigning? Oh, happy day!
Totally agree, she is vicious and flaky.
All airheads deserve a chance to blow up their sailing balloon! This is the beginning of another “Around the World in 80 Days!” The stories never end with this airhead.
Definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed.
Governor Hughes?
Dear God, I hope not.
Bernadette Wilson is a better choice.
Shelley Hughes is the best elected official to ever represent me in government. She has my vote without question. The only sad part is replacing her in the Senate. That would literally be impossible.
Sounds fantastic, just one thing,there’s a about 3-4 excellant candidates NOW to CHOOSE from. Probably need to wittle down a few so as not to split the vote for a “NO” win.
I can’t keep up; is this one a ‘rino’ ?
Or is she solid?
She’s a strong candidate with a proven track record and respect. It’s official: ‘https://alaskansforhughes.com/.
Definitely!!.
Permanent Fund will permanently go away
That happened years ago.
To me, she seems like the strongest candidate amongst the GOP candidates in the running. Bernadette Wilson, total garbage. Divisive, mean, snobbish. Dahlstrom, total garbage. She’s like the conservative’s favorite politician to hate because she comes across as seeming so weak—and she might not be. But she always seems to be slinking around quietly in dark corners… so people simply don’t trust her. Bishop: another strong candidate.
Now.
Are republicans going to let their 6-way race throw an easy win to the Dems? I predict an emphatic YES. It’s the only thing Alaska’s Republican Party is actually good at.
Hughes not good any longer for our great State, she’s already lined her pockets
Another career Politician! She and Devries need to go away!
Although she won’t win, she SHOULD win. So many in Alaska do not want the best for the people of Alaska, they want as much as they can get; they won’t vote for someone like Hughes.
I’m a donor, putting my money where my hopes lie.
Is she gonna follow Dunleavy’s marching orders and be a no show for first 5 days of the special session?
Or is she gonna show up to represent her constituents, vote, and defend her vote?
She’s dodged budget votes before. If she does it again then she’s another empty suit devoid of leadership and full of subterfuge, just like Dunleavy.
Interesting.
It appears that Shelley Hughes is a polarizing figure. Having had conversations with her, I always thought of her as a plainspoken no-nonsense staunch conservative. She would make a great governor, as she is no pushover and understand the legislature.
So to Barb, DK, Shera, Pops and 3rd I pose this question:
What votes or policy statements do you object to and why do you characterize Mrs. Hughes in the very unflattering, yet un-enlighting terms in your posts? Please give examples.
Thank you!