Politics

Alaska's Don Young becomes longest-serving Republican in Congress

Don Young is a household name, known for many things, including balking at federal investigation probes, letting his lips move faster than his brain and securing funding plums for the state of Alaska.

Now "Teflon Don" holds another distinction -- he's the longest serving Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives.

At 80, Donald shows no signs of slowing down. He said he plans to seek a 22nd term next year.

Young recently told Politico he's "in pretty darn good shape," adding he has yet to see meet a challenger willing to commit at least 30 years of service in the House, which he thinks is the amount of time that's required to build enough clout (and fund a few notorious projects) in the 435-member chamber.

Young, who was first elected to Congress in 1973, became the longest serving GOP member upon the death of Rep. Bill Young of Florida.

He said he lost a good friend with Bill Young's passing and considers it an honor to be the longest-serving GOP member.

Young said he is now looked upon as "the dean on the Republican side," Politico reported.

Contact Jerzy Shedlock at jerzy(at)alaskadispatch.com

Jerzy Shedlock

Jerzy Shedlock is a former reporter for Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2017.

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