ABOUT DON
In 2018, I was re-elected to the 116th Congress to serve my 24th term as Alaska’s only Representative to the United States House of Representatives.
I was first sworn in as a freshman to the 93rd Congress after winning a special election on March 6, 1973
That same year, I was honored by my colleagues as
‘Freshman Congressman of the Year’
On December 6, 2017, I became the Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, a title that is given to the longest continuously serving Member of the House.
As of April 1, 2018, I am the longest-serving Member in both the House and Senate of the 116th Congress
In the 115th Congress, I was tapped by the House Natural Resources Committee Chairman to lead the fight on reauthorizing national fisheries legislation known as the Magnusson-Stevens Act. This was legislation I originally co-authorized in 1975.
I am also fortunate to have been named among the top 10 most effective lawmakers in Congress, crediting a laser-like focus on Alaska policy issues and the ability to move bills through the legislative process. I have proudly passed more bills – a majority with an Alaskan focus – into law than any other member of the House of Representatives, and I look forward to building upon these successes.
I proudly serve as the “Congressman for All Alaska” and love my role as the only Alaskan Representative in the House. Renewed by the challenges and goals of the 116th Congress and my committee positions, I will continue to champion legislation and funding for programs benefiting Alaska and the nation. My vision remains the same – to provide citizens with the opportunity for a better life not just for today, but also for tomorrow and the future.
