Tom Begich
Tom Begich | |
---|---|
![]() Begich in 2017 | |
Minority Leader of the Alaska Senate | |
In office January 15, 2019 – January 17, 2023 | |
Preceded by | Berta Gardner |
Succeeded by | Shelley Hughes |
Member of the Alaska Senate | |
In office January 17, 2017 – January 17, 2023 | |
Preceded by | Johnny Ellis |
Succeeded by | Löki Tobin (District I) |
Constituency | J |
Personal details | |
Born | Thomas Scott Begich October 31, 1960 Anchorage, Alaska, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Sarah Sledge |
Relatives | Nick Begich (father) Mark Begich (brother) |
Education | Bard College (BA) |
Thomas Scott Begich (born October 31, 1960) is an American politician and a former Democratic member of the Alaska Senate. He represented District J from 2017 to 2023 and was elected twice without general election opposition.[1][2] In 2022, his seat was redistricted, and Begich chose to withdraw his candidacy for the seat.[3]
Career
[edit]Begich is a musician and author. He has released six albums and has performed in venues across the country. He is also the author of a book of poetry, "Six Truths, Fifty Sonnets."[4] He was a delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
In 2020, Begich partnered with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy to introduce the Alaska Reads Act[50], an initiative aimed to improve reading for kindergarten through third-grade students through a reading intervention program, teacher training, and data reporting requirements. The Alaska Reads Act was passed by the Alaska Legislature in May 2022.[51] [52]
Personal life
[edit]Tom Begich's father was Nick Begich, a member of the United States House of Representatives.[5] His brother, Mark, was a member of the United States Senate and his brother Nick Jr., is a conspiracy theorist author, scientist, and researcher. Tom Begich's uncle, Joseph Begich, served 18 years in the Minnesota House of Representatives.[6] Begich's wife, Sarah Sledge, is a singer and songwriter.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "Alaska District J State Senate Results: Tom Begich Wins". New York Times. February 10, 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ^ Hillman, Anne (August 8, 2016). "Replacing a legacy: running for Senate Seat J". Alaska Public Media. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ^ Tom Begich, Ballotpedia, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ Auxier, Randall (29 October 2019). "Tom Begich, Sarah Sledge to present poetry and song on Oct. 30". Murphysboro Times. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- ^ Anderson, Rick (November 3, 2015). "In 1972, Two U.S Representatives Boarded a Plane and Disappeared. What Happened?". Seattle Weekly. Seattle, WA. Retrieved February 28, 2017.
- ^ Minnesota State Legislature, Biography, Joseph R. Begich, retrieved June 2, 2014
- ^ "Music and Thought: Tom Begich with Sarah Sledge, an Evening of Poetry and Song". WSIU. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
External links
[edit]- Official page at the Alaska Legislature
- Appearances on C-SPAN