It's official: Sarah Palin making political comeback by running for open Alaska House seat

Sarah Palin, the Alaskan original who made Momma Grizzly Bears a political term of art as governor and then as the GOP's first female vice presidential candidate, is officially making a political comeback.

Palin, 58, announced Friday night she will run for the open House seat vacated in Alaska by the death of longtime Rep. Don Young.

"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 said in her announcement. "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.

“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," she added. "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."

Her run comes three decades after her first run for political office on the Wasilla city council, and more than a dozen years after resigning as Alaska governor to return to private life.

A favorite on the conservative book and speech tours, Palin made history as the first Republican woman on a presidential ticket when John McCain chose her as his running mate in 2008.