The Latest: Young looks for spirited campaign in House race

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - The Latest on Alaska’s House race this year (all times local):

3:05 p.m.

Alaska U.S. Rep. Don Young says he’s looking forward to a spirited and energetic campaign as he seeks a 23rd term in Congress.

Young is the longest serving Republican in the U.S. House and on Thursday, he gained a Democratic challenger.

Steve Lindbeck, a longtime Alaska journalist and former media executive, announced he will challenge Young.

Young’s spokesman, Matt Shuckerow, says Young has always welcomed all candidates to the congressional race. He says Young remains focused on winning the Republican nomination in Alaska’s primary election this August ahead of the November general election.

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11:55 a.m.

A longtime Alaska journalist and former media executive will challenge the longest serving Republican in the U.S. House.

Steve Lindbeck announced in a release Thursday he will run for Alaska’s lone House seat as a Democrat. U.S. Rep. Don Young has been in office since 1973 and is seeking re-election.

Lindbeck is a former sports editor at the defunct Anchorage Times and an associated editor at the former Anchorage Daily News. He worked at the Alaska Humanities Forum from 1991 to 2000, before becoming chief executive officer of Alaska Public Media.

He says it’s time for a different style of leadership and a new direction that brings Alaskans together to address problems. He plans his first appearance as a candidate Friday in Fairbanks.

Young’s campaign didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.