The Alaska Republican Party forwarded three names to Gov. Mike Dunleavy as possible replacement for Sen. Shelley Hughes (R-Palmer), who resigned from the State Senate earlier this month to focus on her run for governor.
On Nov. 23, Alaska GOP Chairman Carmela Warfield sent a letter to Dunleavy with three names for him to choose from:
— State Rep. Cathy Tilton (R-Wasilla)
— Mat-Su School Board Member Tom Bergey
— Palmer resident Gerrie Deal.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy is required to choose Hughes’ replacement on or before Dec. 14, 2025. According to state law, when a vacancy occurs in the State Legislature, the governor has 30 days to appoint a qualified person to fill the seat. The appointee must be a member of the same political party as the predecessor or an independent or non-party candidate who still supports the GOP’s political goals.
Once appointed by the governor, the person must then be confirmed by the majority of Republicans in the legislature. If confirmed the person would serve out the remainder of Sen. Hughes’ term, which was set to expire in January 2026.
1 Comment
Ill say good luck Senator Hughes! I from previously speaking eith you know some things you are looking to change! Can’t wait to see how this will all play out.