Walk into the U.S. Senate gallery today and you’ll notice something immediately. It isn't just the mahogany desks or the hushed whispers of aides. It's the hair. Mostly, it’s white. If you've ever wondered how many u.s. senators are over 70 years old, you aren't alone. It’s a question that pops up every election cycle as voters look at the people representing them and realize a huge chunk of the chamber remembers a time before the internet—or even color TV—was a thing.
As of early 2026, the Senate is still one of the oldest legislative bodies in the world. We are currently looking at roughly 30 to 33 senators who have passed their 70th birthday.
The exact number shifts slightly depending on who just had a birthday this month, but the trend is unmistakable. About a third of the Senate is effectively at or past the traditional retirement age. Honestly, it’s a lot. While the 119th Congress has seen a slight "youth movement" with some Gen Xers and Millennials trickling in, the upper chamber remains a place where seniority is king.
Why the Senate stays so "seasoned"
Why are there so many? It’s basically about the incumbency advantage. Once you’re in, you’re usually in for a long time.
Take a look at the heavy hitters. You’ve got Chuck Grassley, the Republican from Iowa, who is now 92. He’s been in the Senate since 1981. That’s 45 years. Then there’s Bernie Sanders and Mitch McConnell, both 84. McConnell actually announced he wouldn't seek reelection in 2026, which is a massive shift for the GOP, but he’s still there for now, finishing his term.
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People like staying. They have the donor networks, the name recognition, and the committee chair positions that take decades to earn. If you’re a 75-year-old senator with a gavel in your hand, walking away means giving up a level of power that most people can't even imagine.
The breakdown of the 70+ club
It isn't just a few outliers at the top. The "middle-old" group is huge.
- The Octogenarians: We’ve got about 6 or 7 senators in their 80s or 90s. This includes Grassley (92), Sanders (84), McConnell (84), Jim Risch (82), and Dick Durbin (81).
- The 70-79 Bracket: This is where the bulk of the "older" Senate lives. You’re looking at around 25 members here. Think Elizabeth Warren (76), Patty Murray (75), and Mitt Romney (78), though Romney is another one who decided to step back.
- The "Young" 70s: Guys like John Hickenlooper and Rick Scott just recently crossed that 70-year-old threshold.
The partisan split is surprisingly even, though Democrats currently skew a tiny bit older on average. According to recent Pew Research data, the median age for a Senator in the 119th Congress is roughly 64.7 years. Compare that to the median age of the American public—which is about 38—and you see the gap.
The 2026 election: A turning point for age?
We are at a weird crossroads. 2026 is a big year because several of these 70+ lawmakers are finally calling it quits.
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Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire (79) and Dick Durbin (82) are among those who have flagged they are moving on. When these giants leave, they usually get replaced by people in their 40s or 50s. It’s a slow-motion changing of the guard.
But don't expect the Senate to suddenly look like a startup office. For every retiring 80-year-old, there’s a 68-year-old waiting in the wings who will likely serve another two or three terms, pushing them well into their 80s before they even think about Florida.
Does age actually matter for policy?
This is the part where people get heated. Some argue that having a Senate full of people over 70 provides "institutional memory." They’ve seen every crisis. They know how to negotiate. They don't freak out over every Twitter (X) trend because they've lived through the Cold War.
On the flip side, critics say it’s a "gerontocracy." They argue that if you’re 85, you might not fully grasp the long-term implications of AI, climate change, or the gig economy. You won't be around to see the consequences of the laws you pass today. It's a valid concern. You've probably seen the viral clips of senators asking tech CEOs how Facebook makes money. It isn't always a great look.
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Realities of the "Silent Generation" in power
The Silent Generation (born 1928–1945) still has a firm grip on the Senate, though the Baby Boomers are technically the largest cohort now.
It's sorta fascinating when you look at the stats. In the House of Representatives, Gen X has actually overtaken Boomers as the largest group. But the Senate? It’s slower. It’s like a large ship; it takes a long time to turn.
- Chuck Grassley (92): The iron man of the Senate. He still does his 99-county tour in Iowa every year.
- Bernie Sanders (84): Still the loudest voice for the progressive left, showing that age doesn't always mean "moderate" or "quiet."
- Jim Justice (74): A "freshman" who entered the Senate in 2025 at an age when most people are five years into retirement.
What you can do to stay informed
If the age of your representatives bothers you—or if you think their experience is vital—the best thing to do is watch the 2026 primary cycles. That is where the "youth vs. experience" battle actually happens.
- Check your state's roster: Look up your specific senators. Are they part of the 30% over 70?
- Follow retirement announcements: Between now and November 2026, more senators may decide to retire. This is the biggest factor in lowering the chamber's average age.
- Research the "Freshman" class: Look at the people who joined in 2025. Are they bringing the change you want to see?
The number of senators over 70 isn't just a fun trivia fact. It defines the pace of American politics. Whether you find it comforting or frustrating, the "graying of the Capitol" is the reality of our current government.
Keep an eye on the 2026 midterm filings. That will be the real indicator of whether the Senate stays in the 70+ club or finally starts to trend younger.