Rep. Mike Quigley, an Illinois Democrat, is criticizing former top House Democratic leaders for seeking committee leadership roles after leaving their leadership positions in 2022. Quigley, who was bumped from the Appropriations subcommittee leadership by Rep. Jim Clyburn, argues that former leaders should step aside to give younger members opportunities.
Quigley’s comments come amid an increasingly open debate over age and leadership within the Democratic Party. He, who is 66 years old, was among the first House Democrats to call on President Joe Biden to step aside as presidential nominee in 2024. In a recent episode of the Pro Politics podcast, Quigley told Democratic pollster and podcast host Zac McCrary, ‘If you’ve been one of the top three leadership spots, you should hesitate wanting to come back and say, I want to be a ranker or chair.’ He added, ‘At some, you’ve had your moment, and it’s time to let someone come in and have an opportunity to be on one of those select committees and being a ranker or chair.’
Quigley’s remarks also highlight the changing dynamics within the Democratic Party’s leadership structure. Another senior appropriator who later joined leadership, Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, assumed the ranking member role on the Financial Services subcommittee in 2023 after exiting as majority leader at age 83, bumping Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, who is 25 years younger. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has not claimed any committee assignments since returning to the rank-and-file that same year.
The debate over leadership and age within the Democratic Party is part of a broader trend of generational shifts in congressional leadership. As older members retire or step down, younger politicians are taking over key positions, reshaping the party’s priorities and strategies. This trend is not limited to the House; similar shifts are occurring in the Senate as well.
Quigley’s criticism of former leaders is also seen as a way to signal his own political ambitions. With over nine terms in Congress, he has established himself as a seasoned member, but his comments suggest he is eager to assert his influence within the party. By criticizing former leaders for seeking committee roles, he is positioning himself as a leader who is willing to embrace change and prioritize younger members.
However, the debate over leadership and age is not without its challenges. Some Democrats argue that experienced leaders bring valuable insights and expertise that younger members may lack. The balance between experience and youth is a key issue in shaping the party’s future.