Alaska Rep. Don Young is now the longest-serving House Republican ever
For most of its statehood, Alaska's lone congressman has been Rep. Don Young (R), 86, and on Wednesday, Young became the longest-serving Republican in House history, passing former Speaker Joseph Cannon (Ill.).
Young's 46 years in Congress — he has held the seat since 1973 — put him just a year and a half behind the late Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.), the longest-serving Senate Republican (though Thurmond spent the first several years of his tenure as a Democrat). But both lag far behind former Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), who served 59 years in the House. Dingell died last month.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
