24 members of Congress are 80 or older. More than half are running for re-election.
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found strong bipartisan support for age limits on federal elected officials, reflecting voter demand for generational change in Washington amid concerns over the aging Silent Generation in Congress.
- Despite a decline in Silent Generation members from 39 in 2021 to 24 in 2025, several plan to seek re-election, maintaining seniority and influence in powerful committee roles that control legislative agendas and funding.
- Some older lawmakers, like Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Jim Risch and Rep. Maxine Waters, emphasize their continued passion and effectiveness, while others acknowledge the need for generational turnover as health and incumbency challenges grow.
- Several prominent long-serving members, including Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, Mitch McConnell,
