GOP Rep. Don Young, the longest-serving member of Congress, died Friday at age 88 while traveling home to Alaska, his office said in a 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,” his office said in the statement.
“Don Young’s legacy as a fighter for the state will live on, as will his fundamental goodness and his honor,” the statement continued. “We will miss him dearly. His family, his staff, and his many friends ask Alaskans for their prayers during this difficult time.”
Young was first elected to Congress in 1973. At the time of his death, he was seeking re-election for a 26th term as Alaska’s only representative.
He was a senior Republican on both the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee.
