Majority of Octogenarian Lawmakers Commit to 2026 Re-election Bids
Washington, Saturday, 17 January 2026.
Despite broad public support for age limits, over half of the 24 congressional members aged 80 or older confirm they will seek another term in the 2026 midterms.
The Silent Generation’s Enduring Grip
As of January 2026, the representation of the “Silent Generation” in Congress has dwindled from 39 members in 2021 to just 24 in 2025 [1]. Yet, despite this natural attrition, at least 13 of these lawmakers have indicated plans to campaign for re-election in November 2026 [1][2]. This represents approximately 54.167% of the cohort remaining in office. Among the most prominent figures seeking another term is Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-Idaho), who will turn 83 later this year [1][2]. If successful in his bid for a new six-year term, Risch would remain in office until the age of 89 [1].
Experience Versus Tenure
In the House of Representatives, long-serving Democrats including Maxine Waters (Calif.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), David Scott (Ga.), and Doris Matsui (Calif.) have also committed to running [1]. Waters, who will turn 88 before Election Day, emphasized that her “work is not finished” and questioned if it ever would be [2]. Similarly, Representative Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), aged 88, stated he intends to keep working as long as he can be helpful to his constituents [2]. This determination contrasts sharply with public sentiment; a 2023 Pew Research Center survey indicated that 82% of Republicans and 76% of Democrats favor implementing age limits for federal elected officials [1].
The Debate on Cognitive Fitness
The dichotomy between the electorate’s desire for turnover and the incumbents’ persistence drives the current political discourse. Nick Tomboulides, CEO of U.S. Term Limits, argues that many officials stay “past their sell-by date,” noting that the average age of a Congress member aligns with when most private citizens consider retirement [1]. Conversely, incumbents like Senator Risch defend their tenure based on vitality rather than chronology, asserting that if one has their health and family time, “why not” continue [1][2]. However, the physical realities of aging remain a concern; Representative Jim Baird (R-Ind.) was hospitalized earlier this month following a car accident, though he maintains a desire for his family to have the same opportunities he had [1].
Departures and Uncertain Futures
While a majority of the octogenarians are staying, a significant transition of leadership is nevertheless underway. Seven veteran members, including Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, and Mitch McConnell, are preparing to leave office [1][2]. Representative Danny Davis (D-Ill.), aged 84, confirmed his retirement after three decades in Congress, citing health challenges and acknowledging that it is time for a new generation to step forward [1]. Meanwhile, uncertainty remains for others; former House Majority Whip James Clyburn is expected to make a decision regarding his future in the coming weeks [1][2]. On the Senate side, when asked on January 7 regarding his plans for 2030, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) dismissed the inquiry, asking, “You think that’s the issue of the day?” [1].