OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Sarah Palin has decided to reenter politics after dropping a major hint a few weeks ago that she was considering such a move.
Palin, a former governor of Alaska and the late Sen. John McCain’s 2008 vice presidential running mate, announced on Friday that she was joining a crowded Republican field of 50 candidates to replace Rep. Don Young, who died last month at the age of 88 in the state of Washington on his way back to Alaska.
Palin posted a statement to her Facebook page announcing she was running in a special election to replace Young, who had served since 1973 — nearly 50 years.
“Today I’m announcing my candidacy for the U.S. House seat representing Alaska. Public service is a calling, and I would be honored to represent the men and women of Alaska in Congress, just as Rep. Young did for 49 years,” Palin wrote. “I realize that I have very big shoes to fill, and I plan to honor Rep. Young’s legacy by offering myself up in the name of service to the state he loved and fought for, because I share that passion for Alaska and the United States of America.”
She adds:
I first entered politics 30 years ago, when I was elected to city council in Wasilla. I still live in Wasilla; my family is here; my son goes to school here. My heart will always be in Alaska, even when I’m representing this great state in Washington, D.C.
America is at a tipping point. As I’ve watched the far left destroy the country, I knew I had to step up and join the fight. The people of the great State of Alaska, like others all over the country, are struggling with out-of-control inflation, empty shelves, and gas prices that are among the highest in the world. We need energy security for this country, and Alaska can help provide that – but only if the federal government gets out of the way and lets the free market do what it does best.
At this critical time in our nation’s history, we need leaders who will combat the left’s socialist, big-government, America-last agenda. This country was built by heroes, and the radical left dishonors their legacies by opening our borders to illegal immigrants, mortgaging our children’s future, and selling out our nation’s interests to the highest bidder.
I’m in this race to win it and join the fight for freedom alongside other patriots willing to sacrifice all to save our country.
https://t.co/CrlfiG8MJn pic.twitter.com/uOwZVviLgr
— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) April 2, 2022
Friday was the deadline to file for the GOP primary, which is scheduled for June 11. The Associated Press explained that the top four finishers will then advance to an Aug. 11 “special election in which ranked choice voting will be used, a process in line with a new elections system approved by voters in 2020.”
The AP notes further: “The winner, targeted to be certified by Sept. 2, will serve the remainder of Young’s term, which expires in January. The special election will coincide with the regular primary. The regular primary and November general election will determine who represents Alaska in the House for a two-year term starting in January.”
Last month, in an interview with Newsmax TV’s Eric Bolling, Palin indicated that she would run for Young’s seat if asked.
“If I were asked to serve in the House and take his place I would be humbled and honored. I would, in a heartbeat, I would,” she said.
“We will see how this process goes in terms of filling that seat – it would be an honor,” she added.
Palin also addressed the policies of the Biden White House and the Democrat-controlled Congress.
“Some people, certainly not in the White House, are aware of what petroleum products actually are, what transportation costs actually affect when it comes to supply chain,” she said.
“Because of their lack of education or purposeful destruction of so many sectors of the economy – they certainly look to blame somebody else,” she added.
