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.
Early life and education
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.
Career
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]
Personal life and death
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]
References
- ^ "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.