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]

Tom Begich
Begich in 2017
Minority Leader of the Alaska Senate
In office
January 15, 2019 – January 17, 2023
Preceded byBerta Gardner
Succeeded byVacant
Member of the Alaska Senate
from the J district
In office
January 17, 2017 – January 17, 2023
Preceded byJohnny Ellis
Succeeded byForrest Dunbar
Personal details
Born
Thomas Scott Begich

(1960-10-31) October 31, 1960 (age 63)
Anchorage, Alaska, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseSarah Sledge
RelativesNick Begich (father)
Mark Begich (brother)
EducationBard College (BA)

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.

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

  1. ^ "Alaska District J State Senate Results: Tom Begich Wins". New York Times. February 10, 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  2. ^ Hillman, Anne (August 8, 2016). "Replacing a legacy: running for Senate Seat J". Alaska Public Media. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  3. ^ Tom Begich, Ballotpedia, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  4. ^ Auxier, Randall (29 October 2019). "Tom Begich, Sarah Sledge to present poetry and song on Oct. 30". Murphysboro Times. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Minnesota State Legislature, Biography, Joseph R. Begich, retrieved June 2, 2014
  7. ^ "Music and Thought: Tom Begich with Sarah Sledge, an Evening of Poetry and Song". WSIU. Retrieved 4 September 2020.

External links edit

Alaska Senate
Preceded by Minority Leader of the Alaska Senate
2019–2023
Vacant