Congressman Don Young, the longest serving member of the United States House of Representatives has passed away. He was 88 years old. The Anchorage Daily News reports that Young lost consciousness on a flight from Los Angeles to Seattle, and couldn’t be rescuscitated, in citing Jack Ferguson, a lobbyist who served as Young’s chief of staff.
The Office of Congressman Don Young released the following statement:
“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 while traveling home to Alaska to be with the state and people that he loved. His beloved wife Anne was by his side. A fierce defender of Alaska since elected to Congress in 1973, nearly everything that has advanced for Alaska is a result of Don Young’s tenacious work. From the Trans-Alaska pipeline, to the Ketchikan Shipyard, to the Magnuson Stevens Act, which transformed the American fishing industry, to the numerous land exchanges he fought for, Don Young’s legacy cannot be overstated.
“Every day, I try to do something for somebody and some group,” Congressman Young once said. “And every day I try to learn something new. We all go into the ground the same way. The only thing we leave behind are our accomplishments.”
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.
In the coming days, we will be sharing more details about plans for a celebration of his life and his legacy.”
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski issued the following statement following the passing of Congressman Don Young:
“Alaskans are devastated by this shocking and sad news and I am saddened beyond belief about the loss of my friend. We have lost a giant who we loved dearly and who held Alaska in his heart—always. Don was coming home to the place that he loved, and to the people that loved him best. We love you, Don.”
Governor Mike Dunleavy and First Lady Rose Dunleavy issued the following statement after learning that Congressman Don Young passed away:
“Congressman Don Young has been a great friend of mine for many years. I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of this amazing man who, in many ways, formed Alaska into the great state it is today. Hours after being sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives, he was leading the historic battle for approval of the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline. Shortly after, he was impressively honored in 1973 as the ‘Freshman Congressman of the Year.’ This is the Congressman whom Alaska will remember forever. Alaska is a better place because of Don Young. Rose and I offer our prayers to his family during this difficult time.”
Senate President Peter Micciche released a statement saying:
“We are still reeling from today’s news about the loss of our close friend, Congressman Don Young. After dedicating well over 50 years of his larger-than-life existence serving the people of Alaska, it almost seemed that Congressman Young would live forever. Instead, he will live in our hearts for as long, in spite of his mortality.
I personally sat down this evening after learning of Don’s passing in front of an old photo of the two of us, poured a toast in his honor, and reflected about an Alaskan’s Alaskan before calling my family to break the news of the loss of “Uncle Don.”
Don Young was the real thing. If a polished politician is what you expected, Representative Young may not have been your man. However, the Congressman was heavily supported for twenty-five terms due to his ability to connect with who we are as Alaskans, and for his energetic fight, right until the end for Alaska and the country he loved. He said out loud what was in his heart; a rare commodity in U.S. politics these days, and I believe the primary reason for his charm and success. I am honored to have been represented by Representative Don Young for most of my life, and further honored to have been able to call him my friend.”
U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan issued the following statement after hearing the news that Congressman Don Young passed away:
“Like all Alaskans, Julie and I are saddened, shocked, and devastated by the sudden passing of our Congressman Don Young. His spirit—authentic, tenacious, indomitable, a man of the people—epitomized our great state to such a degree that there was a sense he’d always be with us, that he’d live forever.
“He was a dear friend and mentor, and I have learned so much from this great Alaskan.
“The Alaska that we know and love today is a reality because of the tireless work of Don Young.
“Julie’s and my deepest condolences go out to his wife, Anne, his daughters, Dawn “Sister” and Joni, and his many grandchildren. Rest In Peace, Don Young.”
Congressman Young was re-elected to the 117th Congress in 2020 to serve his 25th term as Alaska’s sole member of the United States House of Representatives. Young was first sworn in as a freshman to the 93rd Congress after winning a special election on March 6, 1973. He was recognized as the Dean of the House and the longest serving member of the current Congress.
During his recent appearances on KSRM, Young was asked if he was intending to run for re-election, which he said that as long as he was able to serve Alaskans, he would continue to run. Young filed for re-election in April 2021.
The Governor will order that Alaska state flags and the United States flags fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on dates to be determined in the near future.
An election will be called by Gov. Mike Dunleavy to fill the vacancy. Such an election is typically called when a member of the U.S. House of Representatives dies or resigns before the general election. Winners of said election serve the remainder of the term and are typically candidates in the next general election for said position.
