Florida Elects First Gen Z Congressman In US: ‘History Was Made Tonight’

Topline

Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-Florida) became the first Gen Z member of Congress on Tuesday, with the 25-year-old saying he “made history for Floridians, for Gen Z, and for everyone who believes we deserve a better future,” as many Americans are increasingly concerned about the old ages of some prominent politicians.

Key Facts

In a tweet, Frost said he is “beyond thankful for the opportunity to represent my home in the United States Congress.”

Frost won in Florida’s 10th congressional district, for a seat vacated by Rep. Val Demings, who challenged and was defeated by Sen. Marco Rubio.

Frost, an activist who previously worked with the March For Our Lives and the American Civil Liberties Union, defeated Republican candidate Calvin Wimbish.

Big Number

25. That’s the minimum age for members of Congress.

Key Background

Frost’s success comes as many Americans have questioned the advanced age and capabilities of some prominent politicians, including President Joe Biden, 79, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 89. A recent investigation from Insider into the U.S.’s “gerontocracy” found that roughly one in four members of congress are in their 70s and 80s, and while nearly half of Americans are under the age of 40, only 5% of Congress is. In recent years, record-breaking numbers of young politicians have been joining the House and Senate chambers. In 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York), became one of the youngest members of Congress when she was elected at age 29. In 2020, Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-North Carolina) became the youngest member of Congress in recent history, at age 25, though he was not reelected for another term.

Tangent

Frost was not the only “first” elected during Tuesday’s midterms. Maura Healey (D-Massachusetts) became the first openly lesbian woman to be elected as Governor in the country.

Further Reading

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Wins Re-Election (Forbes)