PALMER, Alaska—
Gov. Sean Parnell appointed Shelley Hughes, a former legislative aide of the late Rep. Carl Gatto, to fill his Palmer House seat on Tuesday.Hughes has lived in Palmer for 22 years. She served as a legislative aide for Gatto from 2003 to 2005, and most recently worked as the government affairs director for the Alaska Primary Care Association.
“Her experience, leadership skills and community involvement have prepared her well to carry on the work of Representative Gatto,” Parnell said in a statement.
Hughes filed earlier this year with the Alaska Public Offices Commission, showing her intention to run for Gatto’s seat.
Alaska House Republicans still need to confirm Hughes by a majority for District 13.
Gatto died on April 10 at the age of 74 after a long battle from prostate cancer.
Editor's note: The spelling of Shelley Hughes' name has been corrected.
This is a developing story. Please check KTUU.com and the Channel 2 newscasts for updates.
