Why older lawmakers may wait too long to step aside

Many older incumbents are on the ballot for the 2026 midterms, adding to America’s debate over the wisdom of aging politicians delaying their retirement.

By: Nancy Forster-Holt, University of Rhode Island, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 6, 2026

Words: 1,494

Last Updated: 1 week, 4 days ago

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By Nancy Forster-Holt, University of Rhode Island

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey is 80 and has served in Congress for half a century. His Democratic primary challenger in Massachusetts, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, is 47 and made generational change a centerpiece of his campaign. Markey won the Sept. 1, 2026, primary anyway by nearly 30 percentage points.

He’s not the only octogenarian to prevail in a competitive primary in 2026. Eleven won their primaries …

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