Tom Begich
Tom Begich | |
|---|---|
.png) 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 Sr. (father) Mark Begich (brother) Nick Begich III (nephew) |
| 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, 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.[citation needed]
Personal life
[edit]Tom Begich's father was Nick Begich Sr., 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