Democratic Governors Debate Age and Leadership as 2028 Election Approaches

As the Democratic Governors Association convened in Beverly Hills, California, the conversation surrounding age and its implications for the future of the party has gained a renewed urgency. With President Joe Biden's age—now 82—being a focal point of criticism during the recent election cycle, party leaders find themselves grappling with an even more pressing question: How old is too old to run for president in 2028? At the gathering, which included prominent governors and potential candidates, there was a clear reluctance to establish a definitive age limit for presidential hopefuls. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, at 65, stated emphatically, "There's no such thing," emphasizing that age should be assessed in terms of vitality and not merely a number. California's Governor Gavin Newsom, 57, echoed similar sentiments, dismissing the notion of 80 being a threshold as "absurd." The governors reminisced about changing perceptions of age. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, also 65, remarked on how societal views have shifted, noting that people now view those in their 60s very differently than they did in the past. "I'm 65. I'm not almost dead," she asserted, reflecting a growing belief among attendees that age should not hinder one's political ambitions. Despite this optimistic outlook, the recent electoral defeats have left many in the Democratic Party concerned about the future messaging strategies. The party is facing a tough landscape, where the electorate has voiced concerns about the age of its leaders, notably during Biden's campaign. Still, several Democratic governors were unwilling to openly criticize the current president, fearing backlash and acknowledging the difficult position his leadership has placed them in. With numerous party stalwarts in their 70s and 80s, including Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer and Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, discussions about age seem particularly fraught. Yet, some governors, like New Jersey's Phil Murphy, 67, maintained that age should not automatically disqualify candidates. Murphy suggested that what truly matters is the candidate's ability to engage with voters and their overall fitness for the role. The gathering also highlighted a generational divide. Younger leaders like Representative Mikie Sherrill, 52, expressed their view that the party might benefit from new voices. Sherrill, who is running for governor in New Jersey, pointed out that Biden's health issues may have limited his effectiveness in a challenging election climate. Similarly, Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer, 53, expressed a desire to see a candidate from her generation rise to the challenge, citing the need for fresh leadership after a prolonged era dominated by older politicians. While the consensus among many of the Democratic governors seemed to lean toward the importance of vigor over age, there was an underlying concern regarding potential biases that might affect future nominations. Notably, some attendees worried that voters might hesitate to support a woman candidate after the defeats of Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton, despite the party's commitment to diversity and representation. In a candid exchange, Lujan Grisham asserted the need for more women to step into leadership roles, dismissing the notion that gender should be a barrier. She humorously addressed the stereotypes often levied against women in politics, highlighting the absurdity of judging candidates based on age or appearance. Her comment, “I’m going to take these boots and do some sexist kicking,” underscored the determination among some party members to challenge outdated norms. As the Democratic Party continues to navigate the complexities of age, gender, and their implications for future leadership, it is clear that the upcoming years will be crucial in reshaping its narrative. The emerging voices of a younger generation of leaders may signal a shift that could redefine the party's approach as it looks toward the 2028 election cycle. The question of age, while relevant, may ultimately give way to a more profound conversation about capability, connection with the electorate, and the evolution of leadership in a changing political landscape.