Lawmakers from across the state are mourning the loss of former Alaska State Senator Johnny Ellis who represented Anchorage. The former legislator passed away on February 9, 2022. He was 61.
Ellis was born in 1960 in Springfield, MO, and moved to Anchorage in 1975. He pursued higher education at the University of Alaska Anchorage and Claremont McKenna College. He was first elected to the state House at the young age of 26 and gave his life to politics, continuously serving Alaskans for about 24 years. Johnny served as a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from 1987 to 1993, then was elected to the Alaska Senate from 1993 to 2017 and was the majority leader of the Senate for several years. He dedicated any free moments to serving on upwards of 10 committees and boards. Outside of serving Alaska through politics, he was a business owner and was a commissioner of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.
Governor Dunleavy:
“My family offers our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of former Senator Ellis. Johnny was an influential leader in the Alaska Democratic Party and was well respected across the board. As an educator, I respected Johnny as a colleague and as someone who mentored the next generation of Alaskans. He will be remembered as a traveler, learner, history buff and, of course, an accomplished politician.”
Sen. Tom Begich:
“I met Johnny in 1982 working on campaigns. We became friends and roommates when we worked in the legislature. The loss of this lifetime friend is unexpected and a surprise to many of us. Johnny didn’t just craft state policy and help build Alaska’s future, he mentored the lives of thousands of young Alaskans into public service. He was a friend and perhaps a foe to many, but Johnny was always generous to all. Family and friends will miss him, and I join them in mourning.”
Governor Dunleavy has ordered that Alaska and U.S. flags fly at half-staff sunrise to sunset on February 15, 2022, in honor of former Senator Johnny Ellis. February 15th falls on the Key Coalition of Alaska’s Key Campaign week, in which Ellis was the legislation champion of the effort. Key Coalition is a non-profit, statewide advocacy organization of people with disabilities and their families, friends, and other supporters.
