Democrats face "gerontocracy" crisis amid ageing leadership

The Democratic Party has been criticized for maintaining a gerontocracy—being ruled by the elderly—instead of shifting direction with a new generation of voices.

The bulk of the criticism came after 74-year-old Virginia Representative Gerry Connolly defeated 35-year-old New York progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the role of ranking member of the House Oversight Committee. Connolly had the backing of several veteran lawmakers, most notably influential 84-year-old former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

One expert told Newsweek the Democrats were making a "huge mistake by turning to the same old faces." However, a second said the move was more of a "tiny missed opportunity" than a major mistake for the party. Newsweek has contacted the offices of Ocasio-Cortez, Connolly, and Pelosi for comment via email.