Sarah Palin announces run for Congress in Alaska

On Friday, former Alaska governor and ex-vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin threw her hat into the ring for the special election, announcing she's now a congressional candidate bidding for a vacant House seat in her home state.

Palin, who had left politics previously but had recently announced her desire to return, announced the move on social media Friday, adding her name to a growing list of candidates for the vacancy. The special election race will be held to replace fellow Republican Rep. Don Young, who passed away mid-March at age 88.

Young's death shocked many after he spent almost 50 years in Congress.

Palin's announcement was presented in the form of a press release, and stated, in part: "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."

"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."

Friday was the deadline to file for the June 11 primary election.

Palin joins more than 40 congressional hopefuls, according to Fox News. "I want to serve. I want to help the people," Palin said in December, hinting at the return.

"Stay tuned. In other words, folks," responded Newsmax host Bolling.