Passing: Craig Johnson, former member of Alaska House of Representatives

By SUZANNE DOWNING

Craig W. Johnson, a Republican lawmaker who served multiple terms in the Alaska House of Representatives, died Feb. 26, 2026. He was 72.

Born Nov. 22, 1953 in Texas, Johnson dedicated much of his adult life to public service in Alaska, serving in the House from 2007 to 2017 and again from 2023 to 2025. Over nearly two decades in public office, he represented districts that evolved with redistricting, building a reputation as a steady Republican voice on resource development, transportation, and fisheries issues.

Johnson was first elected in 2006 and assumed office in January 2007. During his initial tenure, he rose to leadership roles that reflected both his policy interests and the confidence of his colleagues. He served as co-chair of the House Resources Committee, chair of the Cook Inlet Salmon Task Force, and vice-chair of the House Transportation Committee. He was also a member of the State Affairs Committee and the Fisheries Special Committee.

Over the years, his committee work extended broadly across key areas of state government. Johnson served on the House Judiciary Committee, chaired the House Rules Committee, and participated in the House State Affairs and Transportation Committees. He also was a member of the powerful Legislative Council Committee and contributed to budget oversight through subcommittees overseeing Administration, Corrections, Fish and Game, and Natural Resources.

His final term ended in 2025.

In his professional life, he was former general manager, Alaska Publications; marketing director for MarkAir; general manager of the Alaska Journal of Commerce and Alaska Military Weekly, a small business owner, and vice president, general manager of KYMG Radio.

He served as a member of the Klatt Community Council,  Anchorage International Rotary (past member), Chamber of Commerce Military Committee, ad the Better Business Bureau board of directors.

Outside the Capitol, Johnson was a family man. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their two children, Erin and Jenifer.

Johnson graduated from Miami High School in Miami, Oklahoma. He attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College from 1973 to 1975 and later studied at Oklahoma State University from 1975 to 1977 before eventually making Alaska his home.

Throughout his legislative career, Johnson was known for his focus on practical governance and committee work — the often unglamorous but essential engine of lawmaking. His years of service spanned periods of significant fiscal debate and policy change in Alaska, and his imprint remains in the committees he led and the measures he helped shape.

Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.