The Congressional Vitality Index (CVI)
Spotlighting members 70+ clinging to power despite age, health concerns, and decades of entrenchment.
The Congressional Vitality Index scores members of Congress over 70 on their fitness, effectiveness, and accountability to serve. Scores range from 0-100 based on five equally weighted categories. These are opinion-based assessments using publicly available information from credible sources.*
Status Categories
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PRIME: Still highly effective and accountable
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FADING: Showing signs of decline
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LIFE SUPPORT: Barely functioning, serious concerns
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CRITICAL CONDITION: Urgent need for replacement
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FLATLINED: Complete failure to serve constituents
Congressional Vitality Index (CVI)
Member Name
State/Dist
Years in
Office
Party
Age
CVI
Score
Status
Primary
Date
Member Page
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Urgent Cases
Age 80 | Score: 32
Years served: 50
(Fed 22, State 28)
Status: Critical Cond
Primary: May 20, 2026
David Scott's 50-year political career will end in catastrophe. Named one of Congress's most corrupt members in 2007 for tax evasion and campaign finance self-dealing. Hasn't voted in six consecutive elections. Scott lost a Steering panel vote on the first ballot, as reported by Politico, The ranking member has long faced questions about his ability to lead the panel amid health concerns.
This is the worst CVI score possible for a member still in office. The only question is whether GA-13 voters will end this in the May 20, 2026 primary, or whether Scott will somehow survive to selfishly "serve" another two years.
Marcy Kaptur (OH-9)
Age: 78 | Score: 80
Years served: 42
(Fed 42)
Status: Fading
Primary: May 5, 2026
Age: 79 | Score: 80
Marcy Kaptur is the longest-serving woman in Congressional history (42 years). she barely survived 2024, winning by just 2,382 votes (0.64%) in a district Trump won by 11 points. Derek Merrin is coming back with more money, more name recognition, and House GOP leadership calling OH-9 their "best pickup opportunity."
At age 78 with 42 years in office, facing a strong Republican challenger in a redistricted Trump district, Kaptur faces the fight of her political life. Kaptur suggested that certain revealing clothing worn by female members and staffers could be an "invitation" for harassment. The YWCA of Greater Cleveland and others still criticized her comments as "outdated and missing the point."
The question for OH-9 voters: Is 42 years enough?
Age: 84 | Score: 65
Years served: 23
(Fed 23)
Status: Life Support
Primary: March 3, 2026
Hal Rogers (KY-5)
Age: 87 | Score: 38
Years served: 44
(Fed 44)
Status: Critical Cond
Primary: May 19, 2026
Rep. Hal Rogers, at age 87 with 44 years in Congress, represents the most extreme case of gerontocracy and entrenchment in the House of Representatives. As Dean of the House and the oldest voting member, Rogers combines advanced age with a history of serious ethics violations, recent health incidents, and declining legislative effectiveness.
His multi-decade record of corruption—including steering millions in federal funds to personal business interests and nonprofits he founded—remains unaddressed. He experienced a serious car crash requiring hospitalization and physical rehabilitation in January 2024.
CRITICAL UPDATE (January 2026): Rogers now faces THREE challengers in the 2026 primary—two Republicans (Benjamin Hurley, Jacob Trimble) and one Democrat in the general(Ned Pillersdorf)—creating the first meaningful electoral accountability in decades. While the R+32 district remains overwhelmingly Republican, the presence of serious primary challengers focused on age and accountability represents a significant vulnerability shift.
Steny Hoyer (MD-5)
Age: 85 | Score: 59
Status: Life Support
Primary: June 23, 2026
Years served: 57
(Fed 44, State 13)
Steny Hoyer has had a distinguished 44-year career: lead sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, author of Help America Vote Act, longtime Democratic leader. But at age 85, after suffering a stroke in August 2024, facing two primary challengers making age the central issue, and with a pattern of corporate money influencing his votes, the question is clear: Is this the best MD-5 can do?
Add in a million+ dollars from pharmaceutical companies while opposing drug price controls, and you have a member more responsive to corporate donors than constituents. Clearly, out of touch with young families healthcare costs and needs.
Hoyer would be 89 years old at the end of his next term. Challenger Harry Jarin's question deserves an answer: Do you really think this is the best person to represent the future?
Time to pass the torch.