Gov. Mike Dunleavy appointed Alaska State Representatives George Rauscher (R-Sutton) and Cathy Tilton (R-Wasilla) to the Alaska State Senate, filling vacancies created by the resignations of longtime Senators Mike Shower (R-Wasilla) and Shelley Hughes (R-Palmer).

Shower resigned to run for lieutenant governor, while Hughes stepped down to run for governor.

“I can’t think of two Alaskans more qualified and committed to public service to serve in the Alaska Senate than Representatives Rauscher and Tilton,” Gov. Dunleavy said in his Nov. 26 announcement. “I have known and worked with both for as long as I have been in public office and I look forward to working collaboratively with them as senators. I also want to thank the local Republican district committees for taking the time to meet, deliberate, and send forward names for these seats. This process works best when the people closest to the communities are involved.”

Rauscher was elected to the Alaska State House in 2017, while Tilton was elected in 2014. Both individuals must now be confirmed by Republican lawmakers in the State Legislature, before assuming their seats.

Dunleavy also praised outgoing Senators Shower (R-Wasilla) and Hughes (R-Palmer) for being “strong voices for the Mat-Su and for Alaska.”

“I appreciate their years of service in the Senate and the work they’ve done on behalf of their constituents,” Dunleavy said.

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