Ever feel like time just moves at a different speed for political dynasties? It feels like only yesterday we were watching the 2016 primary debates, but here we are in 2026. If you’re wondering how old is Jeb Bush, the answer is pretty straightforward, yet it reminds us just how long he’s been a fixture in American public life.
Born on February 11, 1953, Jeb Bush is currently 72 years old. He’ll be turning 73 next month.
Honestly, it’s wild to think he was only in his mid-40s when he first took the oath of office as Governor of Florida back in 1999. He’s lived through quite a few eras of the GOP, from the "compassionate conservatism" of his brother’s time to the high-octane populist energy that defines the party today.
The Timeline of a Political Life
Jeb—officially John Ellis Bush—didn't just fall into politics. It was basically the family business. He was born in Midland, Texas, which is a far cry from the Florida palms he eventually became synonymous with. He was the second son of George H.W. Bush, making him the younger brother of George W. Bush by about seven years.
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By the time he hit 30, he was already making moves in Florida real estate. He didn't just sit around. He served as the Florida Secretary of Commerce in the late 80s before making his first (unsuccessful) run for governor in 1994.
He lost that first one. It was close. But then he came back in 1998 and won, eventually becoming the first Republican in Florida history to be re-elected for a second four-year term.
What Does 72 Look Like for Jeb Bush?
You might be wondering if he’s retired or just chilling on a boat somewhere in Coral Gables. Not exactly. While he’s stepped back from the "please clap" memes of the campaign trail, he hasn’t exactly gone quiet.
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Nowadays, Jeb stays busy with a mix of business and advocacy. He’s the Chairman of Finback Investment Partners and Dock Square Capital. He’s also stayed deeply involved in education reform through his foundation, ExcelinEd. It’s kinda his "thing"—he’s been obsessed with school choice and literacy rates since his days in Tallahassee.
He’s also a grandfather many times over. His son, George P. Bush, carried the torch into Texas politics for a while, meaning the family’s political footprint is still very much a thing, even if Jeb himself isn't seeking a podium these days.
Health and Longevity in the Bush Family
The Bushes are known for their longevity. His father lived to be 94. His mother, Barbara, lived to 92. At 72, Jeb is still relatively young by modern political standards, especially when you look at the ages of recent presidential candidates who have pushed well into their 80s.
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He’s famously known for his "Paleo" diet phase during the 2016 campaign where he lost a significant amount of weight. It seems he’s kept a focus on his health since then, appearing at various forums and universities as a "Professor of Practice" or guest lecturer. He’s still sharp, still policy-heavy, and still very much "Jeb."
Quick Bio Facts at a Glance:
- Current Age: 72 (Turning 73 on Feb 11, 2026)
- Birthplace: Midland, Texas
- Residency: Coral Gables, Florida
- Main Focus Today: Private equity, education reform, and corporate board service
Why We Still Search for Him
People keep asking how old is Jeb Bush because he represents a specific brand of Republicanism that feels like it belongs to a different century. To some, he’s a reminder of a more "civil" time in politics. To others, he’s the symbol of an establishment that the current voter base moved past.
Regardless of where you stand, his age puts him in a unique position. He’s a bridge between the Greatest Generation of his father and the current boomer/Gen X leadership.
If you're looking to keep up with what he's doing, your best bet is following his work with the Foundation for Excellence in Education. He still writes op-eds and speaks at conferences about the future of the American workforce. He isn't running for anything, but he’s certainly not sitting in a rocking chair.
Next Steps for Readers:
To get a better sense of Jeb Bush’s current impact, look into the specific education policies he’s currently lobbying for at the state level. You can also track his recent board appointments at IHS Holding Limited to see how he's influencing the telecommunications sector. It's often in these behind-the-scenes roles where former governors wield the most actual power today.