Gubernatorial candidate Shelley Hughes has chosen her running mate: Retired US Air Force Brigadier General Blake Gettys as her running mate for lieutenant governor, pairing her campaign with an Alaska-based military leader.
In a campaign statement released Thursday, Hughes said the selection process was deliberate, emphasizing the role of the lieutenant governor under Alaska’s current election system. Under ranked-choice voting, candidates for governor choose their own running mates rather than voters selecting the lieutenant governor separately.
“I took the task of choosing my Lt. Governor very seriously on behalf of Alaskans,” Hughes said, adding that she sought “someone smart, competent, and with demonstrated leadership.” She described Gettys as “a man of character and integrity” with a record of service and leadership.
Gettys, a resident of Eagle River, retired from the U.S. Air Force after a career that included command of the Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing. In that role, he oversaw thousands of personnel and multiple operational squadrons, including units with global deployment responsibilities. In November, he endorsed Hughes’ opponent Dave Bronson for governor.
“I’ve spent my life serving something bigger than myself—first in uniform, and now as a member of the Alaska community,” Gettys said in the announcement. “Alaska has given me so much, and I believe it’s time to give back in a new way.”
A graduate of the US Air Force Academy with a degree in civil engineering, Gettys served as a pilot flying missions worldwide, including during the Gulf War. After being stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, he continued his military career through the Alaska Air National Guard, eventually rising to senior leadership.
During his tenure in Alaska, Gettys was credited with improving operational readiness and helping develop rapid-response capabilities tailored to the state’s unique conditions, including Arctic operations and remote rescue missions. Outside the military, he also worked as a commercial pilot for Northwest Airlines and later Delta Air Lines.
The campaign highlighted Gettys’ personal resilience as part of his leadership profile, noting that he survived a life-threatening brown bear attack and endured significant personal loss before returning to command responsibilities.
Hughes said the ticket will focus on economic growth, government accountability, and expanding opportunities for Alaskans. She also indicated the lieutenant governor role would be more active in her administration.
The Hughes campaign said additional information and upcoming events will be posted on its website in the coming weeks.
The announcement adds a high-profile military figure to the 2026 governor’s race as candidates begin shaping their tickets ahead of the election cycle. Bernadette Wilson also has an Air Force veteran as a running mate: Mike Shower, US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and command pilot with over 20 years of service. A veteran fighter pilot who flew F-15Cs and F-22s, he commanded the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base and recorded a MiG-29 kill in 1999. Candidate Dave Bronson is also a retired National Guard (Air Force) officer and pilot.
