U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), the oldest sitting member of the Senate, has filed paperwork seeking re-election in 2028. If re-elected, he would turn 101 by the end of his term in 2034.

Grassley first secured his Iowa Senate seat in 1981 after having held elected office since 1959. The veteran politician has become the longest-serving Republican in congressional history and one of the United States’ most enduring senators, currently serving as Senate Pro Tempore. His career spans over six decades, with his current term set to expire January 3, 2029.

The filing follows Grassley’s recent remarks about succession planning if he were unable to serve. He stated that while he does not plan to die in office, “if I did, I don’t want a Democrat governor choosing my successor.” Grassley previously made similar comments in October 2018 when he was 85 years old and Republican Governor Kim Reynolds was competing for re-election. Under Iowa law, a governor may temporarily fill a Senate vacancy until voters select a permanent replacement at the next general election.

Grassley’s re-election bid comes as he has been recognized for his steadfast support of Republicans who faced federal surveillance during the Biden administration. He is currently in his eighth term representing Iowa and has not yet confirmed whether he will seek another mandate.