Shelley Hughes is a Republican politician born on January 6, 1958, in Canton, Ohio. She served as an Alaska State Senator representing District M from 2017 until her resignation on November 14, 2025, to focus on her gubernatorial campaign. Prior to the Senate, she was a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017, appointed in 2012 to succeed Representative Carl Gatto and later elected. Notable achievements include serving as Senate Majority Leader in 2021, chairing committees on Judiciary, Transportation, and Education, and vice-chairing Labor and Commerce. She is involved in community organizations such as the Alaska Outdoor Council, National Rifle Association, and founder of the Alaska All Academies Association.

Education and Political Experience

Education: Attended Cuyahoga College as valedictorian, earned a BA summa cum laude from the University of Alaska Anchorage , and studied at Western Academy and University of Virginia Emerging Leaders program.

Political Experience:
- Legislative Aide for Representative Gatto .
- Appointed to Alaska House in 2012, elected 2012-2016.
- Elected to Alaska Senate in 2016, re-elected subsequently until 2025.
- Government Affairs Director, Alaska Primary Care Association ; prior roles include substitute teacher and various administrative positions in Alaska communities.
- Resident of Alaska since 1976, living in Hoonah, Bethel, Fort Yukon, Fairbanks, Seward , and District 11/Palmer since 1990.