A new wave of young Black Democratic candidates is challenging long-serving members of the Congressional Black Caucus, highlighting tensions over age and fresh perspectives in the lead-up to the 2026 midterms. These challengers argue that decades in office have not delivered enough progress for their communities. The caucus, now with 62 members averaging 60 years old, faces calls for renewal amid broader Democratic Party struggles.
The Congressional Black Caucus, founded in 1971, has expanded to 62 members, making it the largest affinity group in Congress. However, with an average age of 60, it draws criticism from younger candidates who see stagnation in addressing current challenges like rising racial tensions, redistricting, and threats to the Voting Rights Act.
Tennessee state Rep. Justin Pearson, 31, is primarying 76-year-old Rep. Steve Cohen in a majority-Black Memphis district. "This is a new moment that requires different ideas, requires new energy and new perspectives," Pearson said. He gained national attention in 2023 as part of the "Tennessee Three," expelled then reelected after a gun safety protest. Cohen, who has served for decades, counters that his experience builds essential relationships for passing legislation: "I know the issues and I know the problems, I know the people."
Similarly, 33-year-old Evan Turnage is challenging 77-year-old Rep. Bennie Thompson in Mississippi's poorest district, which has seen no improvement since Thompson's 1993 election. "Just because you’ve been around the block for 30 years doesn’t mean you’re delivering results," Turnage remarked. Thompson responded by noting his career's focus on encouraging youth involvement.
Prominent senior members include 85-year-old Rep. Jim Clyburn, planning to run again after over 30 years; 88-year-old D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, considering reelection; and 87-year-old Rep. Maxine Waters, intending to seek another term.
Younger voices push progressive priorities like cost of living and education. Recent additions include 38-year-old Rep. Gabe Amo, elected in 2023 as Rhode Island's first Black representative, and 25-year-old Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z member in 2022. CBC Chair Rep. Gregory Meeks emphasized the caucus's roots in youth activism: "Our movement... was born from the energy and courage of young people."
The CBC's political arm has endorsed some newcomers, like California's Lauren Babb and Arkansas' Chris Jones, and possibly 31-year-old Adrian Boafo, but also backed 71-year-old incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat over his 32-year-old challenger. Candidate Courtney McClain, 25, from South Carolina, stresses connecting with younger voters, noting 15% of Black men supported Donald Trump in 2024. Despite critiques, challengers express admiration for the caucus as an "extraordinary institution."
This generational divide unfolds as Democrats seek to rebuild post-Trump, with midterms testing the party's adaptability.
