Mike Stepovich

Mike Stepovich
Stepovich in 1957
9th Governor of Alaska Territory
In office June 5, 1957 – August 1, 1958
Lieutenant	Waino Hendrickson
Preceded by	Waino Hendrickson (Acting)
Succeeded by	Waino Hendrickson (Acting)
Personal details
Born	Michael Anthony Stepovich (1919-03-12)March 12, 1919 Fairbanks, Territory of Alaska, U.S.
Died	February 14, 2014(2014-02-14) (aged 94) San Diego, California, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Matilda Baricevic
Relations	Nicole Burdette (niece) John Stockton (son-in-law) Michael Stockton (grandson) David Stockton (grandson)
Children	13
Education	Gonzaga University (BA) University of Notre Dame (LLB)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Navy
Years of service	1943–1947
Rank	Yeoman (Third Class)
Battles/wars	World War II

Michael Anthony Stepovich (March 12, 1919 – February 14, 2014) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the last non-acting Governor of the Territory of Alaska. Stepovich served as Territorial Governor from 1957 to 1958, and Alaska was given U.S. statehood in 1959.

Stepovich was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and grew up in Portland, Oregon. His parents had immigrated to the United States from what is now Montenegro and Croatia in the late 19th century. Following his education and military service during World War II, Stepovich established a law practice in Fairbanks and began his political career by winning three terms in the Alaska Territorial legislature. During his term as governor, he was a leading advocate in the effort to gain statehood for Alaska. Following Alaska's admission to the Union, he made an unsuccessful run for a U.S. Senate seat and two unsuccessful attempts to be elected Governor of Alaska.

Stepovich was involved in public service for decades, ranging from his service in World War II to his post-statehood political career. He was a large part in the effort for obtaining Alaska Statehood, beginning with his appointment as governor in 1957.