Our 119th Congress is the third-oldest in history, with a Senate median age of 64.7 and House median of 57.5. Only 14% of senators are in their 40s, while 64% are over 60. Despite Congress’s less than 25% approval rating, incumbents win reelection at 95%.
This matters because people in their 20s, 30s and 40s will live with today’s decisions for 40-50 more years. They have the strongest incentive to think long-term about healthcare, Social Security, National Debt, Immigration and Climate Change. Unlike older members who may retire before consequences emerge, younger Americans must live in the future today’s policymakers are creating.
The younger generation offers unique advantages: 15-20 years of professional experience without entrenched thinking, fluency in both traditional institutions and emerging technologies, energy for demanding legislative work, and firsthand experience with childcare costs, housing affordability, and modern healthcare challenges.
We need a balanced membership —institutional knowledge matters. But we urgently need balance through intergenerational partnership. Young Americans must run for office. Voters must support qualified primary challengers. Baby boomers and veteran legislators must actively mentor emerging leaders, sharing decades of hard-won wisdom.
When youthful energy meets seasoned judgment, optimal policymaking follows. The 95% reelection rate won’t change itself—all generations must collaborate in reshaping our democracy.
