Alaska Republican Don Young, Dean of the House, is Dead

Alaska Republican Don Young, the dean of the U.S. House, has died. He was 88. Seated in 1973, after winning a special election, he was serving in his 25th term. 

Alaska Congressman Don Young, dean of the House, has died, according to friends, former staffers and relatives.

— Liz Ruskin-AK public radio reporter (@lruskin) March 19, 2022

Democrats now hold 222 seats vs. 210 for Republicans. There are three vacancies. In addition to the at-large Alaska district, CA-22 and MN-01, also last held by Republicans, are vacant.  

The most senior House members are now Hal Rogers (R, KY-05) and Chris Smith (R, NJ-04). They were both elected in 1980.