Generation X is poised to become the largest generation in Congress for the first time this century when the new session begins in January, according to an analysis of last week’s election results.
CT Insider columnist Philip Bump reported that the incoming Congress will include more members of Generation X than baby boomers, even with several races still outstanding. The shift ends a long period in which baby boomers held the largest share of seats in both the House and Senate. Gen X had already become the largest generation in the House in the current Congress; the overall balance now tips with the new members elected this month.
In Texas, the generational change is especially visible. Democrat James Talarico, born in 1989 and a millennial, defeated Republican Ken Paxton last week to succeed longtime Sen. John Cornyn, a baby boomer born in 1952. At 37, Talarico will become the youngest member of the Senate when he takes office on Jan. 3. Cornyn, 74, lost the Republican primary earlier this year to Paxton, who had been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Talarico’s victory marks the first time a Democrat has won a U.S. Senate seat in Texas since 1988. He previously served in the Texas House of Representatives. Cornyn has met with Talarico in Washington to discuss the transition, according to both offices.
Baby boomers remain the largest generation in the Senate even after the midterms, while Gen X now leads overall in the full Congress. Millennials and a small number of Gen Z members continue to increase their presence, particularly in the House. The new Congress convenes in January.
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