ANCHORAGE, Alaska — U.S. Rep. Don Young announced Thursday that he has tested positive for covid-19, a day after winning his 25th term in the U.S. House.
The 87-year-old representative made the announcement on Twitter.
“I am feeling strong, following proper protocols, working from home in Alaska and ask for privacy at this time,” the tweet from his verified account said.
A message sent to his spokesman wasn’t immediately returned.
Last March, Young spoke to a group of senior citizens and downplayed the virus, saying it was overblown and fueled by the media. He called the coronavirus the “beer virus.”
Young is the longest-ever serving Republican in the U.S. House. He was first elected in 1973. On Wednesday, he was declared the winner in the 2020 race, defeating Alyse Galvin.
Since he has the longest tenure of current members, he carries the ceremonial title of dean of the U.S. House. It carries no official duties beyond swearing in the House speaker.
He’s Alaska’s sole representative in the U.S. House.
