Craig Johnson, Longtime Alaska Representative, Dies at 72

Craig Johnson, a Republican former member of the Alaska House of Representatives who represented Anchorage for over a decade and again in recent years, died on February 26, 2026, at the age of 72. His passing was confirmed by Governor Mike Dunleavy.

Early Life and Career

Born November 22, 1953, in Kermit, Texas, Johnson graduated from Miami High School in Oklahoma and attended Northeast Oklahoma A&M and Oklahoma State University. He moved to Alaska in 1978 and built a diverse career before entering politics. He worked as a legislative aide, general manager of the Alaska Journal of Commerce and Alaska Military Weekly, and as the vice president/general manager of KYMG radio. Alaska’s News Source

Legislative Service

Johnson served in the Alaska House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017, and then again from 2023 to 2025. The Alaska Story He represented Anchorage during his time in office. Alaska Beacon

Tributes and Remembrance

Governor Dunleavy and First Lady Rose Dunleavy released a statement mourning Johnson’s death, stating he “always stood for what was right and fought for sensible solutions in response to Alaska’s challenges.” Alaska’s News Source The Alaska House of Representatives held a moment of silence in his honor on February 27, 2026, at the request of Majority Leader Chuck Kopp. Alaska Beacon

Family

Craig Johnson was married to Nancy Johnson, the former General Manager of KTUU, who retired in January 2025 after a 43-year career with the news station. Alaska’s News Source

Governor Dunleavy will order flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Johnson, with the date to be determined in accordance with the family’s wishes. Alaska’s News Source