Josh Hawley says he's got nothing against aging congressional leaders but wants to see Pelosi 'move on'

• Republican Sen. Josh Hawley said aging congressional leaders don't bother him much.
• "There's probably a lot of wisdom to be gained with age," the 42-year-old Missouri lawmaker said.

While he may not have the perfect solution to reenergizing the oldest Congress ever, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley said getting Nancy Pelosi to retire would be a step in the right direction.

"I'd love to see Speaker Pelosi move on," Hawley told Insider at the US Capitol.

The 42-year-old Missouri lawmaker issued the cross-chamber jab at the 82-year-old House Democratic leader in response to a question about Insider's "Red, White, and Gray" project, which explores the costs, benefits, and dangers of life in a democracy helmed by those of advanced age.

Hawley, who is one of the youngest GOP senators and a likely 2024 presidential contender, said getting up in one's years shouldn't necessarily be disqualifying.

"There's probably a lot of wisdom to be gained with age," he said. Hawley added that while he's gone on record before about supporting term limits, that "wouldn't necessarily lower the age of Congress."

"I just am a believer in people not staying here their whole lives," Hawley said.

On Wednesday Pelosi bristled at questions about potentially seeking another term as speaker should Democrats retain control of the House, or even pick up seats, in the fast-approaching midterms.

"First we win, then we decide," the 18-term lawmaker told reporters after repeated prodding at a Capitol Hill press conference.