Octogenarians To Seventy-Somethings In North Dakota Politics

Age is frequently viewed as merely a number in the humming hallways of Congress, where heated discussions and laws are made, but as North Dakotans head to the June primary, that notion may quickly be coming to an end.

Soon in North Dakota, Octogenarians will no longer be in office, reserving the duty for people to make decisions that affect in the hands of people in their 70's.

Here, we look at some of the oldest senators and representatives to hold office in Washington, D.C.

Strom Thurmond

The South Carolina senator with the longest tenure is Strom Thurmond, who currently holds the record for being the longest-serving member of Congress. Thurmond was elected to the Senate in 1954 and held the position until his death in 2003 at the age of 100.

Robert Byrd

Robert Byrd, a West Virginian, was the member of Congress with the longest service record when he passed away in 2010. Byrd was elected to the Senate in 1959 and held the position until his death in 1959 at the age of 92. He gained notoriety during his term for his command of Senate procedures and his steadfast dedication to his constituents.

Dianne Feinstein

A notable figure in American politics, Dianne Feinstein served as the senator from California starting in 1992. She was a powerful voice on a variety of subjects, from gun control to national security, until her death at the age of 90.

Don Young

Don Young, the Dean of the House of Representatives and the longest-serving Republican in Congress, represented Alaska since 1973 until his death at the age of 89.

John Dingell

A legendary member of the House of Representatives from Michigan, Dingell retired in 2015 at the age of 88 after serving for almost 60 years. Dingell was instrumental in crafting laws pertaining to civil rights, the environment, and healthcare during his time in office.

Regardless of age, these people are the epitome of the tenacity and commitment needed to serve in Congress. Their contributions serve as a reminder that being older is not a barrier to having a significant influence on Capitol Hill as they continue to leave their stamp on American politics.