An 87-year-old Congressman defends his bid for a 19th term amid concerns over aging leadership and national calls for renewal.
At a Glance
- The 119th Congress is tied for the second-oldest in U.S. history, with an average age around 58
- The Senate averages about 63.8 years and the House about 57.7 years
- Twenty sitting members of both chambers are aged 80 or older
- Rep. Bill Pascrell, age 87 and in his 14th term, died in August 2024 following respiratory illness and heart surgery
- Public support is growing for imposing age limits or mandatory retirement for elected officials and judges
The Weight of Experience
Veteran lawmakers often highlight decades of service as evidence of their continued value. The 87-year-old Congressman seeking a 19th term pointed to major legislative achievements and deep institutional knowledge, arguing that effectiveness matters more than age. This mirrors the legacy of Rep. Bill Pascrell, who served since 1997 and chaired key committees — notably advocating for fire safety, the BOSS Act on ticketing, and brain injury reforms. Pascrell remained active through a heart bypass in 2020 and a hospitalization in July 2024, drawing praise from colleagues for his resilience.
Age, Health and Public Trust
Despite these arguments, public unease over aging leaders endures. High-profile cases — including Senator Chuck Grassley (91), Bernie Sanders (83), and Nancy Pelosi — have heightened scrutiny. The 119th Congress sees about 20 members aged 80 or older, sparking wider debate on the sustainability of such aging leadership.
Support is growing across the political spectrum for age or term limits for federal officeholders, reflecting public concern that prolonged tenure may erode responsiveness to a rapidly evolving electorate. While some defend longevity as an asset, younger challengers increasingly argue for generational turnover to better address modern priorities and perspectives.
