By Rhyannon Bartlett-Imadegawa, Jennifer Agiesta, CNN
(CNN) – As the country pays tribute to the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, who passed away earlier this month at 71, discussions about older political leaders have gained momentum.
Sen. Mitch Mc Connell, who is 84, has not participated in votes on Capitol Hill since a fall in June that resulted in hospitalization and a “mild case” of pneumonia, as his office recently confirmed after much speculation.
The current Congress ranks among the oldest in US history-a trend that is likely to grow, especially within the Senate. Many Americans view the number of lawmakers over 70 as a significant issue and are calling for more transparency regarding elected officials’ health status according to a new CNN poll.
The midterm elections this November may provide an opportunity for voters to express their views on the age makeup of Congress. Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed in the latest CNN poll by SSRS believe that having so many elderly lawmakers is a serious concern. This figure increases to 68% among individuals under 35.
For decades, the average age of senators and representatives has been steadily increasing.
The CNN poll also indicates a strong desire for enhanced transparency regarding politicians’ health overall. Nearly two-thirds of respondents think elected officials should disclose any medical information that could impact their ability to serve; only 35% believe they have the same right as other citizens to keep their medical records private.
This preference crosses party lines and seems to have intensified over recent years. In 2018, CNN polling showed nearly equal opinions on whether presidents should reveal their medical details, while in 2004, 61% supported privacy for those serving as president.
According to the CNN poll, 70% of individuals identifying with either major party feel uneasy or upset if their party were to nominate someone over the age of 70 for office. Additionally, a July Fox News Poll revealed that 85% of registered voters believe there should be a mandatory retirement age for lawmakers; about half think that required age should be below 70.
Currently, over one-third of senators are aged over 70.
In November’s elections, twenty incumbent senators are competing for another full term. Their ages range from Jon Ossoff’s youthful 39 (from Georgia) to Jim Risch’s seniority at 83 (from Idaho). If all incumbents win again, more than half will be over 70 by 2033 when their next term would end. Notably retiring this year are Mc Connell along with Democratic Senators Dick Durbin from Illinois (81) and Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire (79), both among the oldest in this Senate cycle.
While many people retire around age 65 when they become eligible for Medicare benefits, those above this age still hold notable positions across both parties within Congress.
Comparison with General Population
Since the US Constitution mandates members of the House must be at least 25 years old and senators must be at least 30 years old, Congress tends naturally toward an older demographic compared to the general public.
According to data from Census Bureau’s projections for 2025, only about19% of Americans are over age65; however, the medianageof sitting US senators is66. That means even though fewer than one-in-five Americansareover65, h alf ofsitting senators belonginthat category.
At92yearsold, republican Chuck Grassleyof Iowa holds titleas thesenate’soldest memberand servesas president pro tempore. This roleplaces him third inlinefor presidency-highlightedrecently whenhewasabsentat May’s White House Correspondents’Dinnersecurity breach event as top-ranking officialnot attending.
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