California Democrat Porter says age limits ‘for all elected officials’ should be discussed

Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), who’s running for the Senate in California, said Monday that age limits “for all elected officials” should be discussed. 

“I do think generally that age limits are a conversation for all elected officials that we ought to be having,” Porter said Monday night during a California Senate debate. Porter made the remarks in response to a question about whether President Biden, 81, and former President Trump, 77, are “too old” to run for office.

“I think that’s a conversation we ought to be open to. I think we need a mix of people who’ve had years of experience and people like me, who’ve only been in Congress for five years. But I think we have to have that conversation,” Porter said.  

The House Democrat also lauded the Biden administration and said she’s “pleased with what he’s done so far,” during the debate moderated by Inside California Politics. 

Porter appeared alongside fellow Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee, as well as Republican candidate Steve Garvey.

They’re all vying for the seat opened up by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D). California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) appointed Sen. Laphonza Butler (D) to represent the Golden State until voters elect their next choice in 2024, and Butler has said she won’t enter the crowded race.

Feinstein’s age was a matter of heavy discussion before her death at the age of 90. Questions were repeatedly raised in the last years of Feinstein’s career about her ability to carry out her duties.

California will hold a nonpartisan primary on March 5, in which the two candidates with the most votes will move on to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. 

Schiff has been leading in recent polls. He also scored the endorsement of the Los Angeles Times and the backing of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

Porter on Monday took a swing at Schiff over age limits. For his part, Schiff praised Biden and put Trump under the label that “some people are unfit for office at any age.”