Rep. Young, Oldest Republican in House, Dies on the Way Home

WASHINGTON–The oldest Republican in the U.S. House died Friday. Rep. Don Young passed away while traveling home to Alaska. He was 88.

Indiana Rep. Jim Banks Tweeted, “What a legend”.

Rep. Larry Bucshon, also a Hoosier, Tweeted condolences, saying also that Young was a legend. He said in his Tweet that he and Young were neighbors in the Rayburn House Office Building.

Young, who was serving his 25th term in Congress, was elected in 1973.

He died at the Los Angeles Airport, according to a statement from his office.

“It’s with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce Congressman Don Young, 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,” read the statement. “His beloved wife Ann was by his side.”