Former Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah) expressed support for the growing demand among voters nationwide for younger political leaders in an interview published on July 9, 2026.
“I basically think people who are 80 and above really should not be running the world or running the country,” Romney told Deseret News. He referenced research on brain aging from journalist Bill Bryson’s book The Body, noting, “He points out that the human brain shrinks by 20 percent by the time you’re 80 years of age.”
Romney, who previously ran for president in 2008 and 2012, made the remarks after being asked jokingly about a potential 2028 presidential run. He responded with a laugh, “The reality is, sure, I’d love to do it again, and this time I might get it right, you know? Third time’s the charm.”
The conversation comes amid ongoing concerns about the age of political leaders. Both President Trump and former President Biden faced scrutiny during the 2024 campaign over their ability to fulfill presidential duties due to their advanced ages. On the Democratic side, these concerns contributed to Biden withdrawing his reelection bid after a poor debate performance and endorsing former Vice President Kamala Harris, then 60, as his successor.
Trump, who turned 80 recently, marked his birthday with a UFC fight held at the White House.
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