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Unlike the White House, where US presidents can serve only two terms, members of Congress have no term limits.
In the US Senate, some members have served for decades.
Senators are also getting older, on average. In the 119th Congress, which began in 2025, the median age of US senators was 64.
That marks an increase from the 113th Congress in 2013, when the median age in the Senate was 61, per Ballotpedia.
Of the 10 longest-serving senators, two are running for reelection in the 2026 midterm elections.
Here are the current senators who have held office the longest — and how many years they've served.
Sen. Maria Cantwell — 25 years
Cantwell, a 68-year-old Democrat from Washington, has served as a US senator since January 3, 2001. She won her fifth term in 2024 and will be up for reelection in 2030.
Sen. Chuck Schumer — 27 years
Schumer, a Democrat from New York, was sworn in on January 3, 1999.
Schumer, 75, will be up for reelection in 2028.
Sen. Mike Crapo — 27 years
Crapo, 75, is a Republican who has represented Idaho in the Senate since January 3, 1999. He will be up for reelection in 2028.
Sen. Dick Durbin — 29 years
A Democrat from Illinois, Durbin was sworn in as a US senator on January 3, 1997. At 81, he is not seeking reelection and will retire at the end of his term.
Sen. Jack Reed — 29 years
Reed's time in the Senate began on January 3, 1997. The 76-year-old Democrat from Rhode Island is running for reelection in the 2026 midterms.
Sen. Susan Collins — 29 years
Collins, 73, is running for reelection in a high-profile race against Democratic challenger Troy Jackson in the 2026 midterms.
A Republican from Maine, she has served in the Senate since January 3, 1997.
Sen. Ron Wyden — 30 years
Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, was sworn in on February 5, 1996, following the resignation of former Oregon Sen. Bob Packwood.
He is 77 years old and plans to run for reelection in 2028.
Sen. Patty Murray — 33 years
Murray, a Democrat from Washington, is 76 years old and has been a member of the Senate since January 3, 1993.
She plans to run for reelection in 2028.
Sen. Mitch McConnell — 41 years
McConnell, a Republican representing Kentucky, took office on January 3, 1985. At 84, he has experienced a number of health challenges in recent years, including a nearly four-week-long hospitalization that began in June after emergency responders were dispatched to his home.
McConnell is not seeking reelection in 2026 and will retire when his term ends.
Sen. Chuck Grassley — 45 years
Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, is also the oldest sitting member of the Senate at 93. He has served as a senator since January 3, 1981.
Grassley will be up for reelection in 2028, but he told reporters in October that he has not decided if he will run again.
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