U.S. Sen. Ed Markey is 80 and has served in Congress for half a century. His Democratic primary challenger in Massachusetts, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, is 47 and made generational change a centerpiece of his campaign. Markey won the Sept. 1, 2026, primary anyway by nearly 30 percentage points.

He’s not the only octogenarian to prevail in a competitive primary in 2026. Eleven won their primaries and are on the ballot for the 2026 midterm elections. The oldest primary winner was Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, an 83-year-old Republican.

It seems to be an issue both major political parties agree on: For many candidates, age is just a number, even when it starts with an 8 or a 9.

My colleagues and I study succession in family-run businesses and other occupations where leadership, identity and longevity can become deeply intertwined. Whether someone is in charge of a company or is a lawmaker, their work does not only keep them busy. It provides status, an identity and a sense of mission. Letting go means giving up more than a job.

When business leaders or politicians linger for too long, it can be costly for their companies or constituents because potential successors may become frustrated by waiting and decide to move on.

When any kind of leader remains in their role for decades, underlying reasons can range from a genuine love for what they do to not knowing what they will do – or who they will be – once they leave. However, waiting too long can mean they’ll have to hand off their responsibilities in crisis mode.

In family businesses, my research team found, the people closest to their leaders – including relatives, employees and longtime supporters – may go quiet rather than press the issue.

This dynamic is not limited to the business world. It also applies to many of the older members of Congress.

A closer look at the large numbers of legislators who continue to serve during their golden years reflects two trends.

First, many are elected for the first time when they’re middle-aged. New House........

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