Johnny_Ellis
Johnny Ellis
American politician (1960–2022)
Johnny Ellis (March 13, 1960 – February 9, 2022) was an American politician who served as a member of the Alaska Senate from 1992 to 2017. He was previously a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from 1986 through 1992.
Johnny Ellis | |
|---|---|
Ellis in 2013 | |
| Majority Leader of the Alaska Senate | |
| In office January 19, 2009 – January 18, 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Gary Stevens |
| Succeeded by | Kevin Meyer |
| Member of the Alaska Senate from the I district | |
| In office January 15, 2013 – January 14, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Redistricted |
| Succeeded by | Tom Begich |
| Member of the Alaska Senate from the L district | |
| In office January 20, 2003 – January 15, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Randy Phillips |
| Succeeded by | Redistricted |
| Member of the Alaska Senate from the H district | |
| In office January 11, 1993 – January 20, 2003 | |
| Preceded by | Pat Pourchot |
| Succeeded by | Scott Ogan |
| Member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 12B district | |
| In office January 19, 1987 – January 11, 1993 | |
| Preceded by | Donald Clocksin |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1960-03-13)March 13, 1960 Springfield, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | February 9, 2022(2022-02-09) (aged 61) Harrison, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Claremont McKenna College (BA) |
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Ellis was born in Springfield, Missouri, and moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1975.[1] Ellis was an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Bartlett High School (Anchorage, Alaska) in 1978, he attended the University of Alaska Anchorage for one year before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Claremont McKenna College in 1982.
Ellis served as a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from 1987 to 1993. He was then elected to the Alaska Senate, representing the H district from 1993 to 2003. Ellis represented the L district from 2003 to 2013 and the I district from 2013 to 2017. From 2009 to 2011, Ellis served as majority leader of the Senate. Outside of politics, Ellis was a commissioner of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education and operated several small businesses.[2]
In 2016, Ellis spoke publicly about his health issues, including battles with prostate cancer, and multiple sclerosis. He also came out as gay.[3]
Ellis died on February 9, 2022, at the age of 61.[4]
- "Senator Ellis". 2008-09-01. Archived from the original on 2008-09-01. Retrieved 2021-03-26.
- "100 Years of Alaska's Legislature – Johnny Ellis". 100years.akleg.gov. Retrieved 2021-03-26.
- Wohlforth, Charles (17 November 2016). "Sen. Johnny Ellis sacrificed his private life for public service". Alaska Dispatch News. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
- Ruskin, Liz (10 February 2022). "Former state Sen. Johnny Ellis has died". Alaska Public Media. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
| Honorary titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Dean of the Alaska Senate 2003–2017 |
Succeeded by |