Senator Mark Begich was elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2008. The first Anchorage mayor born and raised in Anchorage, Senator Begich is a long-time local businessman who served as mayor from 2003 until his election to the Senate. Senator Begich also served on the Anchorage Assembly from 1988-1998 and was three times elected its chairman. He has also served on the University of Alaska Board of Regents, the Alaska Student Loan Corporation, and numerous other boards and commissions. Senator Begich is married to Deborah Bonito, a successful Anchorage businesswoman. They have a young son, Jacob.