Building power

Biden, too, was elected to federal office in his 20s, and has risen to the pinnacle of power in Washington. Just like Biden, Frost can become one of the most senior members of his party in Congress just by continuing to serve and outlasting everyone. If he wants to, that is.

“Congress rewards seniority,” said Aubrey Jewett, a professor of political science at the University of Central Florida. “So if you stick around for a while, learn the ropes and keep fighting for the ideas you believe in, then over time, you certainly can have an impact and actually gain power.”

But Frost was circumspect about the prospect.

“I don’t plan too far ahead,” Frost said. “So if I wake up in two years, four years, and I feel like going for this specific thing is the best way I can help people, then I’ll do it. But I don’t know what that looks like just yet.”

In the meantime, Jolly had one more piece of advice for the new congressman about to spend hours upon hours working out of his office on Capitol Hill.

“Get a comfortable couch,” he said.