San Francisco Democrats propose voluntary age limit for politicians

San Francisco Democrats are proposing a voluntary age limit for elected officials, aiming to encourage leadership renewal and address concerns over aging politicians. But a non-binding voluntary limit is hardly a limit at all.

The Facts

The San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC) is set to consider a resolution for a voluntary retirement age for elected officials. Authored by Eric Kingsbury, who previously worked on Mayor Breed's reelection campaign, the proposal draws parallels to mandatory retirement ages in professions like aviation and judiciary roles.

There is no exact age threshold, and the limit is non-binding and voluntary, but the initiative is part of a broader effort to introduce reforms at the state Democratic convention this May.

The Context

This proposal emerges in the aftermath of high-profile instances where aging politicians, such as President Joe Biden and the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, faced scrutiny over their capacity to serve effectively. The Democratic Party's challenges over Biden's decline during the 2024 election cycle have intensified discussions on leadership succession and the infusion of new talent.

Senator Feinstein's passing in September 2023 after a prolonged illness and multiple instances of visible confusion and disorientation highlighted the need for age limits. Similar issues have happened across the aisle, too, with Republican Congressman John McCain and Senator Mitch McConnell also experiencing confusion and disorientation in office.

The GrowSF Take

It's clear that this proposal is not serious. Not only is it non-binding and voluntary, when asked if it applied to Nancy Pelosi, who is 85 years old and the second-oldest Democratic elected official in California, the local Democratic party was quick to exempt her. Maybe starting the conversation will lead to change? We doubt it.