I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people comment on the age of our elected officials, especially in Congress and the White House. I hear, “Members of Congress are so old, and don’t accurately represent our country.” On its face, many of our country’s most recognizable elected officials are older adults. Look no further than President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and former Speaker of the House, Rep. Nancy Pelosi.

In a few weeks a new Congress will be sworn in. However, looking at the current 118th Congress provides an interesting snapshot. In the U.S. House of Representatives, the median age is about 58. In the Senate it is 65. By comparison between 1919 and 1999, the median age for a senator never hit 60, and for the House it did not exceed 55.

Given the trajectory, it does lead to the question of “why?”

There is no one reason: It’s a totality of factors. First, the incumbent and incumbency party have an enormous advantage. Redistricting has made congressional races very difficult for challengers and opposing parties. In our last election, about 96% of congressional districts did not flip political parties. Incumbents often have fundraising advantages, whether in the primary or the general election. In 2022, nobody from the Massachusetts delegation to the House of Representatives received a primary challenge.

In addition, it’s common for young people to lack access to financial resources or political connections to mount a successful campaign against an incumbent. Furthermore, many people ultimately vote for the candidate they agree with, regardless of age. In a general election, I am going to vote for the candidate I agree with, and age is not a factor.

Also, some voters prefer candidates with seasoned political experience and deep-rooted relationships on Capitol Hill. While I appreciate fresh ideas, older adults’ experience and existing relationships with colleagues can’t be ignored. Lots of Americans want bi-partisan solutions, and elected officials who have experience reaching across the aisle can be appealing.

Unfortunately, it feels like there can be a backlash against older political candidates. North Dakota in June passed a law supported by about 61% of voters restricting anyone from running for Congress who would be 81 before their term ends. While it remains to be seen if this law is constitutional, regardless, I am against the law on its face because it’s undemocratic and discriminatory against seniors. Let the voters decide for themselves if they want an individual candidate to represent them in office. What’s the need for a sweeping law forbidding anyone over a certain age from representing constituents in Congress? I don’t like being told who I can and cannot vote for. If someone is 81, has experience, is an effective legislator and I agree with them on the issues, why would I not vote for them?

People have also suggested that older adults take a cognitive test before taking office. I am not in favor of this. Making public such results strikes me as violating people’s privacy. In addition, candidates running for Congress aren’t doing so in the dark—they participate in debates and campaign for months. Candidates are everywhere on the internet, television and radio. Someone’s physical and mental abilities will be on full display.

There is expression in politics, “That person has a seat for life.”  Meaning an elected official is in a safe seat, and unlikely to ever lose an election. Based on a variety of reasons, you see why Congress has a large percentage of older adults. I understand people’s concerns about members of Congress having a seat for “life.” However, I don’t think taking away people’s choice is the answer, especially discriminating against older adults. Let the voters decide for themselves in each election who they want in Congress, because some might prefer the candidate with experience. Yes, older adults are represented well in Congress, but each politician should be judged on their resume, and not their age.

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Evan Carmen, Esq. is the Legislative Director for Aging Policy at the B’nai B’rith International Center for Senior Services. Click here to read more from Evan Carmen.