Aging Sen. Ron Wyden Declares He Has “The Energy” to Take On Trump — And No Plans to Retire
In an era when age and generational change have become central debates in American politics, Oregon Democrat Sen. Ron Wyden is making it clear: he’s not stepping aside anytime soon.
Now in his fifth decade on Capitol Hill — having first arrived in the U.S. House in 1981 before moving to the Senate in 1996 — Wyden says the calls for him to bow out for younger leaders aren’t swaying him. At 79 years old in 2028, he plans to run for another term, telling the Associated Press he has “the stamina to stand up to President Donald Trump” and “the energy” to keep delivering results.
“I believe you ought to be held accountable,” Wyden said. “But I think the Founding Fathers wanted a results-oriented, commonsense approach to government, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Wyden’s comments come amid ongoing Democratic introspection after President Joe Biden’s ill-fated 2024 reelection campaign. Biden, who sought a second term at age 81, dropped out in July that year, clearing the path for Vice President Kamala Harris — who ultimately lost to Trump in a bitter rematch of political styles. Many within the party, including youth-oriented advocacy groups, have since argued that Democrats must make room for a new generation.
“I’ve consistently called for all elected officials over the age of 70 to make this their final term — to step down with dignity,” said Amanda Litman, co-founder of the progressive group Run for Something.
But Wyden shows no sign of taking that advice. His career has been defined by retail politics and direct voter engagement — including more than 1,100 town halls across Oregon. In 2024 alone, he’s already held 23.
One recent stop brought him to conservative Sherman County, where 75% of voters backed Trump in the last election. Inside a converted schoolhouse surrounded by wheat fields and wind turbines, about 20 locals showed up — a small but telling example of Wyden’s approach: show up, even in unfriendly territory.
“Every Oregonian counts, no matter where they live,” Wyden told the crowd. He emphasized that face-to-face conversations matter now more than ever in an age of polarization. “That stands in contrast to congressional Republicans,” he added, noting that many in the GOP have shifted toward smaller, invitation-only events.
The discussion was frank but civil.
Charlie Hogue, 71, voiced frustration over what he sees as Trump-era checks and balances eroding. “I thought we had checks and balances in this country, and I’m beginning to lose hope because the current administration ignores court orders. So are the Democrats planning to just message for the next elections … or do you have a plan?”
Wyden pointed to his recent meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on trade, and talks with Oregon wheat farmers about tariffs — concrete steps, he argued, that contrast with partisan grandstanding.
Another attendee, T.L. Fassbender, 76, challenged Wyden on immigration, suggesting Democrats prioritize undocumented migrants over citizens. Wyden replied that the immigration system is “broken,” adding that he opposes any protection for those who commit crimes. “My parents were fleeing Nazi Germany when they came to the United States,” Wyden said. “I believe legal immigration makes our country better and stronger.”
Wyden has also been among the few Senate Democrats pushing for deeper transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case — an issue that has, ironically, created political headaches for Trump, as some of his own supporters demand the release of records they believe could implicate elites across the spectrum.
“We spent three years following the money,” Wyden said. “And we’re going to stay at it until the facts come out.”
His closing message in Sherman County was aimed as much at his party as at the voters in the room: “The old saying is, ‘most of life is just showing up.’ But it’s especially important in government because there is a sense that this is rigged.”
For Wyden, showing up — and staying in the fight — is the whole point. Whether Oregon voters agree in 2028 remains to be seen.