Congress has two dozen lawmakers over 80, but more than half want to stay even longer

More than half of the oldest members of Congress have indicated they are not ready to step aside, with a majority planning to seek re-election in 2026. The situation involves lawmakers who are 80 years old or older, a group that continues to play a significant role on Capitol Hill.

As reported by Fox News, there are currently two dozen members of Congress in this age bracket serving in the House and Senate. Of those 24 lawmakers, 13 have already signaled their intention to run for another term in the next election cycle. This ongoing trend hit amid other Capitol Hill developments, such as coverage of the Supreme Court’s potential impact on post-election litigation and reporting on Democrats preparing legal strategies ahead of election challenges.

The findings come as the 119th Congress stands as the third-oldest in U.S. history. The review also included Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C., and noted that while several high-profile senior members are stepping away, most of the 80-plus lawmakers are opting to remain in office.

Many veteran lawmakers say their work is not finished

Several of the lawmakers cited their sense of responsibility and unfinished priorities as reasons for continuing their service. Rep. Maxine Waters, a California Democrat who will be 88 before the next Election Day, said she has no plans to slow down and emphasized that her work in Congress is ongoing.

Republican Rep. Hal Rogers of Kentucky, also 88, expressed a similar view. He said he intends to continue serving as long as he believes he can be helpful to the constituents he represents, framing his decision around effectiveness rather than age.

Health and personal fulfillment were also factors mentioned by members of this group. Sen. Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho who turns 83 this year, joked about the “Silent Generation” label and said enjoying the job, maintaining good health, and balancing family time are key reasons to stay. If re-elected, Risch would be 89 by the end of his next Senate term.

Not all senior lawmakers are pursuing another run, however. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California has already announced she will not seek re-election, marking one of the most notable departures among the group.

Others have yet to make a final decision. Rep. James Clyburn, a Democrat from South Carolina, has not publicly confirmed his plans, though he is expected to announce his intentions in the coming weeks, while several senators in the 80-plus group still have terms that extend beyond the current election cycle.