Lyman F. Hoffman is a Yup'ik politician and member of the Alaska Senate representing District S, which encompasses the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska Peninsula, and Aleutian Islands. Born February 13, 1950, Hoffman is Alaska's longest-serving legislator, having served continuously since 1987 with brief interruptions.

Hoffman is a Democrat who has been notably independent in his voting patterns. From 2015 to 2023, he was the only registered Democrat to caucus with Republicans in the Senate. Since 2023, he has been part of a bipartisan majority coalition. He previously endorsed Republican nominee Dan Sullivan during the 2014 U.S. Senate race.

Education

Hoffman attended Bethel High School from 1964 to 1968 and studied Business Administration at the University of Alaska from 1968 to 1972, with additional coursework from 1973 to 1974.

Political Experience

Hoffman's legislative career spans nearly four decades:

• Alaska House of Representatives: 1987–1991 and 1993–1995
• Alaska Senate District M: 1991–1993
• Alaska Senate District T: 1995–2003
• Alaska Senate District S: 2003–present
• Senate Majority Leader: 2019–2020

Beyond his legislative roles, Hoffman has held various professional and community positions, including Deputy Director of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, owner of Bethel Drilling and Welding, and former owner of North Star Gas. He has served on multiple boards and organizations in the Bethel community and holds special interests in hunting, fishing, boating, Alaska history, and energy issues.