In May, a Marist poll reported that 80% of Americans support the government “imposing a maximum age limit for candidates running for the Senate or House of Representatives.”
This hits close to home for many cornhuskers. In Nebraska, Republican officials including US Sen. Deb Fischer, state Sen. Fred Meyer (LD-41), and state Sen. Mike Moser (LD-22) are all 75. State Sen. Merv Riepe is 84 and is currently running for reelection.
What risks come with an aging legislature?
Americans concerned about older public officials
Politicians’ ages have no direct bearing on their ability to successfully serve the public. Yet, health problems tend to increase with age, leading the public to be increasingly worried about its legislators.
After a 76-year-old Joe Biden announced his candidacy for president in 2019, Republicans and Democrats alike aired concerns about his advanced age and how it could affect his candidacy or presidency. Poll respondents expressed similar concerns about then-77-year-old President Donald Trump in February 2024.
Recent news coverage of legislators who have suffered health complications in the public light are further giving voters pause. In September, 84-year-old Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) returned to office after a three-month absence due to “a fall” at his home. McConnell’s first day back followed rampant speculation surrounding his hospital stay and fitness for office, particularly when he voted against his fellow Republicans’ farm bill—then reversed course after colleagues rushed over to whisper to him. McConnell then backtracked, locking in the deciding vote to pass the bill.
His hospitalization led Republicans to raise questions about his absence and for news outlets to ask what would happen to McConnell’s Senate seat if he were unable to complete his term. Kentucky is one of just four states in the US for which the governor does not have the authority to fill Senate vacancies. They must be filled by a special election.
What about Nebraska?
The voice of the people unheard
Nebraska is not one of those four states. In the event that a state senator is unable to complete their term, the governor appoints someone to fill the vacancy. Nebraska state legislation says, “The Governor shall appoint a suitable person possessing the qualifications necessary for a member of the Legislature.”
Should Riepe—if he wins his race on Nov. 3—or any of his colleagues suffer a health issue that prevents them from returning to office, their replacement would be chosen by the winner of the upcoming gubernatorial election. Candidates in that race are: Current Gov. Jim Pillen (Republican, age 70), former state Sen. Lynne Walz (Democrat, age 63), business owner Rick Beard (Legal Marijuana NOW Party, age 58), and former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom (America First Party, age 45).
Nebraska law states that if the vacancy occurs on or after May 1 of the official’s second year in office, their governor-appointed replacement shall finish out their term. If the vacancy opens before then, the appointee “shall serve until the first Tuesday following the first Monday in January following the next regular general election.” Nebraska state law offers further guidelines related to time in office based on other times in which the previous office holder leaves their position.
