The Average Age of U.S. Congressmen: Insights from the 117th and 116th Congresses

As the political landscape steadily evolves, it is interesting to delve into the demographic makeup of the U.S. government, particularly the average age of its politicians. This analysis will provide insights into the age distribution of members in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate during the 117th and 116th Congresses.

Current Trends in the 117th Congress (2023)

At the start of the 117th Congress in January 2023, the average age of U.S. Congressmen was notably:

H. R. (House of Representatives): 58.4 years S. (Senate): 64.3 years

This Congress consists of:

437 Representatives, not including 4 vacant seats 100 Senators Democrats hold a majority in the House, with specific numbers not detailed here

It's important to note that these figures represent the average age at the commencement of the current term, which provides a snapshot of the current demographic composition of the Congress.

Comparing the 116th and 117th Congresses

When we compare the 116th Congress, which was in session from January 2021 to January 2023, the age averages were slightly different:

H. R.: 57.6 years S.: 62.9 years

The differences in these ages can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the retirement of long-serving members and the election of new, younger representatives.

Extremes in Age Distribution

While the average age provides a general overview, it is valuable to examine the extremes within the age distribution:

Youngest Representative: AOC (Alden JD), D-NY, who was 29 years old at the start of the 117th Congress. Oldest Representative: Don Young, R-AK, who was 85 years old at the start of the 117th Congress, making him the oldest U.S. Representative ever elected. Youngest Senator: Josh Hawley, R-MO, who was 39 years old at the start of the 117th Congress. Oldest Senator: Diane Feinstein, D-CA, who was 85 years old at the start of the 117th Congress.

Ages are calculated from the start of the current Congress, making these figures the most accurate representation of the current age range in each house.

Raising Awareness: The Role of the Congressional Research Service (CRS)

The United States Congress relies on the Congressional Research Service (CRS) for impartial and objective research to inform its decision-making processes. The CRS has provided detailed breakdowns and insights into the age demographics of the U.S. Congress. Researchers and policymakers can access these reports to better understand the political landscape and its implications.

If you wish to delve deeper into the demographic analysis of the U.S. Congress, you can access the entire report directly from the CRS website. This report provides comprehensive information and analysis, helping to ensure that members of the U.S. Congress and the public have the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

Read the Entire Report on the Congressional Research Service Website

Understanding the average age of U.S. Congressmen not only sheds light on the current political demographics but also provides insights into trends and potential risks associated with demographic changes in the legislative body. As Congress continues to address complex issues, this demographic data is valuable for shaping policy and understanding the perspectives and experiences of its members.