Alaska GOP Rep. Don Young, who was the most senior member of the House, died Friday, according to his office. He was 88.
“It’s with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce Congressman Don Young (R-AK), the Dean of the House and revered champion for Alaska, passed away today,” his office said in a statement. “His beloved wife Anne was by his side. Don Young’s legacy as a fighter for the state will live on, as will his fundamental goodness and his honor. We will miss him dearly. His family, his staff, and his many friends ask Alaskans for their prayers during this difficult time.”
His office said he died while traveling back to Alaska with his wife but did not disclose additional details about the cause of his death.
‘DEAN’ OF THE HOUSE DON YOUNG RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL AFTER CONTRACTING CORONAVIRUS
Young began serving in Congress in 1973 and represented the state for 49 years. He became the dean, the longest-serving member of the House, in 2017 and was the last living congressman to vote on the nominations of Gerald Ford and Nelson Rockefeller for vice president. Young was the oldest member of the House when he died.
“I just got a call from Alaska Airlines. … They told me that Don died in Concourse B. And I was so shocked I didn’t even ask if that was here in Anchorage or in Seattle,” Jack Ferguson, a lobbyist and friend of Young who also served as his first chief of staff, told KTOO.
Alaska was granted statehood in 1959, which means that Young represented the Last Frontier in Congress for about 78% of its existence as a state. Young was serving his 25th term in Congress and was running for a 26th to represent Alaska’s at-large district. He had joked that he would stay in office as long as he could — only God or voters would get in the way.
Throughout most of his tenure, Young generally faced light opposition to his reelection bids. His most recent election featured a strong challenge from independent Alyse Galvin, but Young ultimately prevailed, defeating her 54.4% to 45.3%. Last fall, he was hospitalized with COVID-19. He was subsequently released after receiving treatment.
Young made headlines for once pulling a knife on former House Speaker John Boehner during a debate over earmarks.
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Tributes quickly began pouring in as news of his death spread.
First elected in 1973 during the Nixon Administration, Rep. Don Young was the dean of the Congress and the longest serving Republican in history. His fiercely independent voice for Alaska and one of a kind wit and character will be missed. Rest in peace, Don.
— Rep. Dean Phillips ?? (@RepDeanPhillips) March 19, 2022
Sad to hear of the passing of Don Young longtime representative from Alaska he was a friend & dedicated public servant God bless his family during this difficult time
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) March 19, 2022
Through his decades of leadership, my friend Don Young knew that bipartisanship and collaboration were the key to getting things done. He will be profoundly missed, as we all pray for his family.
— Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) March 19, 2022
Young is survived by his wife and two children.
