Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, the longest-serving and oldest current member of the U.S. Senate, said he is concerned that a Democratic governor could name his replacement if he dies before leaving office, according to video of comments he made late last week.
Speaking Friday at the Republican Party’s annual Reagan Dinner in West Des Moines, Grassley acknowledged that, at 93, his opportunities to address GOP audiences may be limited. “I don’t plan on dying in office,” he said, adding that he nevertheless does not want “a Democrat governor choosing my successor” if that were to happen.
Grassley, who turned 93 on Sept. 17, is serving his eighth Senate term, which runs through Jan. 3, 2029. Should he die during the next two years, Iowa’s next governor—who will be elected this fall—would appoint an interim senator to serve until voters decide the seat’s future in the 2028 election.
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