Shelley Hughes joins Edna DeVries in 2026 race for governor

Two veteran Mat-Su political leaders will run for governor in 2026. Borough mayor Edna DeVries indicated her intentions earlier and on Thursday, July 24, state Sen. Shelley Hughes said she will also run.

Hughes made her announcement at a gathering at Rebarchek Park in Palmer, which is at the south end of the State Fairgrounds.

In a statement made before the announcement Hughes said she sees a bright future for Alaska, but that leadership is needed.

“We are on the verge of big and new things in Alaska, 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 out great state, in a way that will positively affect our livelihoods,” across multiple generations.

“Alaska has promising potential. It’s time we work together to unleash it,” she said.

Hughes has represented the Mat-Su region in the Legislature in both the state Senate and House since 2012. She has held a variety of leadership positions including being Senate Majority Leader. She has a professional background in health care.

DeVries was a mayor of the city of Palmer for five years before running for borough mayor and being elected in 2021. She has long been active in local community and civic organizations.

She and Hughes join two other women seeking the Republican nomination for governor: Current Lt.Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Anchorage business owner Bernadette Wilson.

Three others are in the race: Former state Sen.Click Bishop of Fairbanks, Matt Heilala of Anchorage and James Parkin of Angoon.