How old is Mitch McConnell? Senator's age under spotlight in increasingly old Congress

Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., will step down from his minority leader role in November, the Associated Press first reported Wednesday. He will continue his current term in the Senate, which ends in January 2027.

McConnell's name and age have been part of a growing conversation around the country's leading elder politicians, especially after freezing and struggling to speak twice last summer.

This Congress is the third oldest since 1789. The average age in the Senate is 64 years and President Joe Biden, who is running for the 2024 seat, is 81 years old. With some of the country’s highest leadership positions occupied by octogenarians, some voters are calling for a younger Congress.

How old is Mitch McConnell?

Mitch McConnell is 82 years old.

He was born Feb. 20, 1942, making him part of the Silent Generation, which encompasses those born between 1928 and 1945. About 5.49% of the U.S. population belongs to the Silent Generation, according to a Statista analysis of Census data.

McConnell said earlier this month he plans to finish his Senate term despite calls from both constituents and local Kentucky Republicans to step down after the two freezing episodes this summer.

Mitch McConnell to step down: Here's what we know so far

How long has Mitch McConnell been in the Senate?

McConnell was first elected to the Senate in 1984 where he has remained for 38 years. He is currently serving his seventh term.

McConnell is Kentucky’s longest-serving senator and the longest-serving Senate Party Leader. His 16 years of service as the Senate Republican Leader broke former Democratic Sen. Mike Mansfield’s previous record earlier this year.

How old was Mitch McConnell when he became a Senator?

McConnell was sworn into office in 1985, making him 42 years old when he became a senator. Prior to his first Senate term, he served as a judge-executive of Jefferson County, Kentucky.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How old is Mitch McConnell? Senator to step down from leadership post.