Age and Ambition: Democratic Governors Rally for Leadership Beyond Numbers

As the Democratic Governors Association convened in Beverly Hills, California, discussions about age and leadership loomed large over the gathering. The recent electoral setbacks for the party have sparked a nuanced conversation about the implications of age on presidential candidates, particularly in light of President Biden's anticipated bid for re-election at the age of 82. The sentiment among many Democratic governors appears to be that age should not be a disqualifier for candidacy. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, 65, firmly stated, "There's no such thing," when asked about an age limit for presidential candidates. California Governor Gavin Newsom, 57, echoed this sentiment, calling the notion of 80 being "too old" to run for office "absurd." In a lighthearted moment, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York, also 65, quipped about societal perceptions of age, stating, "When I was growing up, people who were 65 were almost dead." Despite these reassurances, there remains a palpable tension within the party regarding age, particularly as Biden's age was a factor in the recent midterm electoral losses. Many governors and potential candidates were reluctant to criticize the sitting president directly, reflecting a desire to maintain party unity in the face of future elections. Interestingly, while age was a topic of discussion, none of the governors articulated a specific age limit for potential nominees. Instead, they emphasized a candidate's vitality and connection with voters as far more significant than their chronological age. Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey, 67, expressed that while he would be "surprised" to see an 80-year-old in the race, he valued the "incredible bench" of younger candidates who might emerge. Looking ahead, there is a growing belief among Democratic leaders that the party's future candidates will likely be significantly younger than Biden. Figures such as Newsom, who quipped about being considered "too old," illustrate a generational shift that many see as inevitable. Several governors hinted at the potential for a new wave of leadership emerging from the younger generations within their ranks, particularly from Generation X. However, the prospect of nominating a Black woman, represented by Vice President Kamala Harris, raised additional questions about the intersection of age and gender. Some Democrats expressed concern about whether the party would be willing to nominate another woman, especially after Harris's recent electoral defeat. Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan defended the record of women in leadership, pushing back against the idea that the party should shy away from female candidates due to past losses. The atmosphere at the meeting was charged with optimism as many attendees discussed the possibility of a future filled with dynamic and qualified candidates, suggesting that the party is at a pivotal point in its leadership evolution. Representative Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, 52, reflected on Biden's re-election campaign, suggesting that health concerns influenced perceptions of his ability to lead in a challenging electoral cycle. Echoing this sentiment, Lujan Grisham passionately critiqued ageism, asserting that capabilities should not be judged by age. "I hope lots of women run in the next presidential election," she declared, aiming to shatter the stereotypes that often accompany discussions of age and gender in politics. As the Democratic Party grapples with its identity and future direction, the question of age, while often fraught with complexities, may ultimately come down to a candidate's ability to resonate with voters and effectively communicate their vision, rather than the number of candles on their birthday cake. The upcoming presidential race will undoubtedly test these perceptions as a new generation of leaders seeks to emerge in a rapidly changing political landscape.