These changes in Congress are overdue
With this month’s congressional elections, political party power and leadership will shift in our nation’s legislative branch. The Republican Party might have gained more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives to be in the majority, but several Democratic Party leaders announced last week they will no longer remain in power. This is one of the most intriguing, but overdue political transformations for our United States Congress.
Political party leadership matters in so many government institutions because they often shape but also lead — and kill — various policy proposals. So many Americans and the media tend to frame American politics as being in “red” or “blue” lenses, but it’s also about which lawmakers remain in so many leadership positions.
Party leaders are instrumental in guiding legislation through the legislative process. From committee chairs to political party officials, these congressional leaders are the shepherds and gatekeepers to effective or problematic policymaking. And our Congress is hardly a favorite institution with a 20-percent approval rating.
Few Americans understand that chosen party leaders are decided by their respective party caucuses and often promises and deal-making approaches are made for these critical positions. It’s classic politics, but this process is more nuanced. These committee and leadership spots are coveted by so many lawmakers since they’re able to gain more political and media attention, which is certainly helpful for reelection and fundraising purposes.
Not surprisingly, many congressional leaders remain in these positions for years and even decades. Congressional Democrats are no different, and many have been successful at remaining in power and being longserving lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives. Aside from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) who was first elected in 1987, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and House Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) have also been in the House for 30 years.
Interestingly, all three leaders and additional party and committee chairs are octogenarians and septuagenarians. It shouldn’t be surprising that many Americans prefer seasoned lawmakers, even past retirement age, including many in our Connecticut delegation. Senior and longtime members of Congress face little competition because incumbents overwhelmingly win reelections. And the average of House members is 58 years old.
So, when the three House Democratic leaders announced they would no longer serve in party leadership positions, it was unusual. They also publicly supported new leaders for their respective caucus. Maybe younger leaders can lead the House, but I also imagine there will be some internal battling among lawmakers as leadership shifts hardly happen overnight especially with octogenarian President Joe Biden.
As a former congressional aide, I thought congressional leadership change was overdue. Many younger congressional candidates and lawmakers have sought for generational change. Maxwell Alejandro Frost will be the first Generation-Z congressional lawmaker, for example. It was a matter of what would propel leaders to not run for their same positions. Maybe it took a House majority loss for Democrats to finally recognize new party leaders.
But the House changes can also serve as a reminder that the U.S. Senate should heed to political shifts as well. Even though Republicans failed to win the upper chamber, octogenarian Minority Party Leader Mitch McConnell faced unusual opposition to his 15-year leadership by 69-year old Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.).
It often takes elections to remind entrenched lawmakers that they can comfortably remain in elected office and leadership positions for so many years. Congress may not have term limits, but voters often remind officials they’re not in public office for life. Some suggest elections serve as term limits, but electoral wins shouldn’t grant lawmakers leadership roles for such a long time.
Interestingly, all three leaders and additional party and committee chairs are octogenarians and septuagenarians. It shouldn’t be surprising that many Americans prefer seasoned lawmakers, even past retirement age, including many in our Connecticut delegation. Senior and longtime members of Congress face little competition because incumbents overwhelmingly win reelections. And the average of House members is 58 years old.