No country for old politicians? Some California Democrats want an age cap.
The idea, initiated by San Francisco Democrats in a resolution, will be considered by the statewide party when it holds its convention later this month. Although it is largely a symbolic pursuit, the fact that the conversation is occurring at all is noteworthy in a place known for revering its elder leaders.
California is the state of former Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died in office at age 90 in 2023. It is also the home of Jerry Brown, who served two terms as governor in his 70s; Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, who is 85; and Barbara Lee, the former Congress member who was elected last month as Oakland mayor at the age of 78.
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Not all of those leaders have caused worry, and some have had significant achievements late in life. But former President Joe Biden brought the issue to the fore last year when he was campaigning at 81. Many Democrats believe he waited too long to bow out, robbing the party of time to mount an effective effort to beat Donald Trump.
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'We can't just act like it didn't happen and like we aren't going to make changes as a result,' said Eric Kingsbury, a San Francisco Democrat.
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Former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., spoke during a news conference on the Equality Act at the Capitol, on Tuesday.
Rod Lamkey/Associated Press
Kingsbury, 36, is a member of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee. He said he wrote the resolution as a direct response to Biden staying in the race too long and some Democrats remaining unwilling to even discuss how to clear the way for younger candidates. His resolution called for exploring a mandatory retirement age for all elected and appointed leaders at the state and local levels. Notably, it did not specify a particular age.
The proposal passed last month and will be among hundreds considered by the California Democratic Party at its convention this month, but it may not advance very far. Even if it does, it would take a state law, passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor, to impose an age limit.
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