The U.S. Congress is no stranger to age, with many members serving well into their senior years. Here are the 20 oldest members of Congress, shaping policy and making decisions that impact the nation. From Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, at 90 (retiring), to Senator Chuck Grassley, also 90 years old, these seasoned politicians bring experience and perspective to their roles.
Senator Chuck Grassley, wearing a dark-colored business suit and standing at a table, is one of the oldest members of Congress. Following Feinstein's retirement announcement, Grassley remains a stalwart figure in the Senate, representing Iowa with dedication and tenacity. With decades of legislative experience, he continues to play a critical role in shaping the future of the nation.
More than half of the U.S. Senate is over the age of 60, highlighting the trend of older individuals serving in Congress. As lawmakers age, questions arise about their ability to effectively represent their constituents and stay attuned to the needs of a changing society. Despite this, seasoned politicians like Senator Dianne Feinstein have proven that age does not necessarily hinder their effectiveness in office.
Looking for the age of every member of the 118th Congress? Get FiscalNote's report on the age of Congress, including the oldest, youngest, and most interesting members. The data provides insight into the demographics of Congress and sheds light on the prevalence of older members in key legislative positions.
The first to do so was Theodore F. Green, a Democrat from Rhode Island, who left the Senate at age 93 in 1961. The oldest person ever to serve in Congress, Green set a precedent for longevity in political office, inspiring others to continue their public service well into their golden years. His dedication to his constituents and the nation serves as a testament to the enduring impact of older politicians.
The U.S. Congress is getting older, and some of its members have been in office for decades. Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, at 90 years old, exemplifies this trend. Despite her upcoming retirement, Feinstein leaves behind a legacy of service and advocacy that has shaped national policy and addressed critical issues facing the country.
Even without Dianne Feinstein, the Senate has 3 octogenarians and 1 nonagenarian, highlighting the prevalence of older members in key legislative positions. More than half of the Senate is over 60, raising questions about age limits for elected officials and the impact of aging on decision-making and policy development. As the demographics of Congress shift, concerns about the efficacy of older politicians continue to be a topic of debate.
79% of Americans favor maximum age limits for elected officials in Washington, D.C., and 74% support such limits for Supreme Court justices. The push for age restrictions reflects concerns about the ability of older politicians to effectively represent their constituents and stay attuned to the needs of a changing society. As the nation grapples with the implications of an aging Congress, calls for reform and new leadership continue to shape the political landscape.
In the lead-up to the US election, many are concerned that Biden and Trump, the two oldest people to ever run for office in the US, will face challenges related to their age and health. The age of political candidates has become a central point of debate, with calls for transparency and accountability in assessing the fitness of older individuals for high-stakes positions. As the nation grapples with the implications of an aging political class, questions about leadership, representation, and effectiveness continue to be at the forefront of public discourse.
