Oregon’s Ron Wyden, a Senate veteran, refuses to step aside despite growing calls for younger Democratic Party leadership. At 79, he plans to run again in 2028, shrugging off critics who say it’s time for fresh faces, as the Associated Press reports. His defiance raises eyebrows in a party grappling with its future.
Wyden, in his fifth decade in Congress, held his 1,125th town hall in Wasco, Oregon, a conservative stronghold where 75% backed Trump. The event, at a former grade school with about 20 attendees, underscores his commitment to engaging every corner of Oregon. Yet, his persistence fuels tension among Democrats craving change.
“Every Oregonian counts, no matter where they live,” Wyden told Wasco attendees. Noble words, but they ring hollow when his party’s base demands new blood to counter a resurgent conservative wave. Clinging to power while voters shift right feels like a misstep.
Wyden’s career began in the House in 1981, and he’s now a top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee. He’s traveled to all 36 Oregon counties annually, a feat he touts as proof of his vigor. But at what point does dedication become stubbornness?
“I believe you ought to be held accountable,” Wyden told The Associated Press, emphasizing a results-driven approach. Accountability is key, but his refusal to yield smells more like entrenched elitism than public service. Voters deserve options, not dynasties.
Some Democrats, like Amanda Litman of Run for Something, are blunt: “Elected officials over 70 should make this their final term.” Her call for competitive primaries to redefine the party’s values is a direct jab at Wyden’s longevity. She’s right -- stagnation breeds complacency.
In Wasco, a tiny Sherman County town of 2,000, Wyden hasn’t won a majority since 2004. Still, he presses on, hosting his 23rd town hall of the year there. It’s a bold move, but preaching to a skeptical crowd won’t flip their votes.
“Town meetings are more important now than ever,” Wyden claimed, citing their role in reducing polarization. Nice try, but one-off chats in a conservative county won’t bridge the divide when his party’s policies often alienate rural voters. Actions speak louder than town halls.
At the Wasco event, 71-year-old Charlie Hogue voiced frustration: “The current administration ignores court orders.” His concern reflects a broader distrust in government overreach, which Wyden’s lengthy tenure hasn’t quelled. If anything, it’s a sign he’s out of touch.
Wyden fielded questions on immigration, saying, “Legal immigration makes our country better and stronger.” A safe stance, but his criticism of agencies “swooping up” innocent people dodges the chaos caused by lax border policies. Voters want clarity, not platitudes.
When attendee T.L. Fassbender pressed on immigration, Wyden responded, “I don’t think crime should be protected as part of legislation.” Sounds reasonable, but his party’s soft-on-crime reputation undercuts his words. Conservatives see through the rhetoric.
Wyden’s also been chasing Jeffrey Epstein’s financial records for three years, vowing to “stay at it until the facts come out.” The Justice Department’s recent claim of no “client list” undermines his crusade, suggesting a distraction from more pressing issues. Focus on what matters, Senator.
With Joe Biden, 81, having stepped back from seeking a second term in the White House and Sen. Dick Durbin, 80, opting not to run again, Wyden’s peers are bowing out. Their exits signal a party under pressure to evolve, yet Wyden digs in. His resistance risks alienating a generation eager for change.
“Most of life is just showing up,” Wyden quipped, defending his relentless town halls. Showing up is great, but governing effectively requires more than attendance -- it demands adapting to a shifting political landscape. Wyden’s playbook feels dated.
As Democrats face an eventual post-Trump reality, Wyden’s 2028 bid could hinder the party’s ability to counter conservative momentum. His energy is admirable, but leadership isn’t about endurance -- it’s about vision. Oregon and America might need a new voice.
