Don Young has died. The former teacher, trapper and riverboat captain from Fort Yukon was first elected to Alaska’s sole U.S. House seat in 1973 and has held it ever since. He was actively seeking re-election this year.
Alaska Congressman Don Young, the most senior member of the U.S. House, has died. He was 88.
“I’m shocked. I’m sad. I got a pit in my stomach,” Ferguson said. “I just so wanted him to serve out those last years, you know? When the Republicans in the majority and he could … help the state in one last real strong move.” Young had trouble walking in recent months and often relied on a wheelchair to get from his office to votes in the House chamber. He had back pain that he was hoping to fix through surgery.
Young shepherded the Trans-Alaska Pipeline bill through the House. That ushered in an era of growth and wealth for Alaska and led the state to create the Permanent Fund. “I told my father if I didn’t get part of the action I was leaving, and he said, ‘When?’” Young recalled years ago. “I was 18 years old and I went up to Alaska.”
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