On Apr. 1, former Alaska Governor and VP candidate Sarah Palin announced on Facebook that she was running for Congress.
She will join a field of about 40 potentials in a bid to take the seat formerly held by Don Young. Rep, who passed away recently. Young, 88, held the seat since 1973.
Late Friday, Palin released a statement noting that she intended to “honor” the nearly five decades Young served in Congress by “offering myself up in the name of service to the state he loved and fought for.”
“Today I’m announcing my candidacy for the U.S. House seat representing Alaska. Public service is a calling, and I would be honored to represent the men and women of Alaska in Congress, just as Rep. Young did for 49 years,” Palin wrote.
“I realize that I have very big shoes to fill, and I plan to honor Rep. Young’s legacy by offering myself up in the name of service to the state he loved and fought for because I share that passion for Alaska and the United States of America.”
Palin has quickly distinguished herself from others in the large field of candidates by securing a strong endorsement from former President Donald Trump. GOP National Spokesperson Liz Harrington posted Trump’s endorsement on his Save America PAC platform.
NEW!
President Donald J. Trump announces his endorsement of Sarah Palin pic.twitter.com/9y0a39htCj
— Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) April 4, 2022
“Sarah shocked many when she endorsed me very early in 2016, and we won big,” Trump said. “Now, it’s my turn!
“Sarah has been a champion for Alaska values, Alaska energy, Alaska jobs, and the great people of Alaska. She was one of the most popular governors because she stood up to corruption in both State Government and the Fake News Media…”
“Sarah Palin is tough and smart and will never back down, and I am proud to give her my Complete and Total Endorsement, and encourage all Republicans to unite behind this wonderful person and her campaign to put America First.”
Palin added in her statement announcing her candidacy:
I first entered politics 30 years ago, when I was elected to city council in Wasilla. I still live in Wasilla; my family is here; my son goes to school here. My heart will always be in Alaska, even when I’m representing this great state in Washington, D.C.
America is at a tipping point. As I’ve watched the far left destroy the country, I knew I had to step up and join the fight. The people of the great State of Alaska, like others all over the country, are struggling with out-of-control inflation, empty shelves, and gas prices that are among the highest in the world.
We need energy security for this country, and Alaska can help provide that – but only if the federal government gets out of the way and lets the free market do what it does best.
At this critical time in our nation’s history, we need leaders who will combat the left’s socialist, big-government, America-last agenda. This country was built by heroes, and the radical left dishonors their legacies by opening our borders to illegal immigrants, mortgaging our children’s future, and selling out our nation’s interests to the highest bidder.
I’m in this race to win it and join the fight for freedom alongside other patriots willing to sacrifice all to save our country.
https://t.co/CrlfiG8MJn pic.twitter.com/uOwZVviLgr
— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) April 2, 2022
Palin just met the deadline to declare her candidacy, submitting documents on the last day possible to qualify to share in the first round of the election process, scheduled for Jun. 11.
The Associated Press noted that the top four finishers will advance to an Aug. 11 “special election in which ranked choice voting will be used, a process in line with a new elections system approved by voters in 2020.”
The AP added: “The winner, targeted to be certified by Sept. 2, will serve the remainder of Young’s term, which expires in January. The special election will coincide with the regular primary. The regular primary and November general election will determine who represents Alaska in the House for a two-year term starting in January.”
