NBC News - Of the two dozen members of the Silent Generation now serving in Congress, more than half (13) have decided to run again in 2026, according to an NBC News review.
In total, this Congress is the third-oldest in U.S. history, with an average age of 58.9 years at the start of this session one year ago. The median age in the U.S. is 39.1.
Among Congress’ 24 Silent Generation members (defined as those born from 1928 to 1945, from the start of the Great Depression to the end of World War II), the average age is 83.8. Most are Democrats. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, (92) is the oldest, and Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., (80) is the youngest.
By the end of this year, the average age will be nearly 85. Ten members will be that age or older, and three will be at or knocking on 90’s door.
The Silent Generation’s ranks have dwindled from 39 members in 2021 to 24 in 2025, as Gen X and millennial politicians replace older lawmakers. Still, with at least 13 of them indicating plans to run for re-election, it creates the possibility of this generation’s holding on to seats into the next decade and reigniting a debate about how long is too long to serve in office.
Some Silent Generation members in Congress, though, told NBC News they still love what they do and that their seniority and experience helps them effectively deliver results for their constituents.
“You got to like the job, and you got to have enough time to spend with your family, and you got to have your health, and if you’ve got your health and you’re doing what you want to do, why not?” said 82-year-old Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is running for another six-year term this year.
"My work is not finished, and I don't know if it will ever be finished," said 87-year-old Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., the ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee. Read more
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