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The Trailblazers: Ranking The 5 Youngest Vice Presidents In U.S. History And The Global Record Holder

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The pursuit of political power often rewards experience, but history is filled with exceptions where young, ambitious figures have rocketed to the second-highest office in the land. As of December 23, 2025, the record for the youngest Vice President of the United States remains a title held for over 168 years by a controversial figure from the Civil War era. The recent political landscape, however, has seen a new face join the top ranks, making the list of the youngest VPs more current and relevant than it has been in decades. This definitive ranking explores the careers, ages, and legacies of the men who achieved the Vice Presidency before their 42nd birthday, including the most recent addition, and highlights the youngest person to hold the equivalent office on the global stage. The minimum age requirement for the U.S. Vice President is 35, the same as for the President, as stipulated by the U.S. Constitution. While many assume the office is reserved for seasoned veterans, the following individuals proved that a swift rise to power is possible, often setting the stage for even greater political ambitions.

John C. Breckinridge: The Youngest U.S. Vice President and His Tumultuous Biography

The all-time record for the youngest person to hold the office of Vice President of the United States belongs to John Cabell Breckinridge. His political ascent was meteoric, but his post-Vice Presidential career was mired in the deep divisions of the Civil War.

John C. Breckinridge: Full Biography and Profile

  • Full Name: John Cabell Breckinridge
  • Born: January 16, 1821
  • Died: May 17, 1875 (Age 54)
  • Birthplace: Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.
  • Education: Centre College, Transylvania University
  • Political Party: Democratic Party (Southern Democrat)
  • Start of Political Career: Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives (1849)
  • U.S. House of Representatives: 1851–1855
  • Vice President Term: March 4, 1857 – March 4, 1861
  • President Served Under: James Buchanan
  • Age at Inauguration: 36 years, 1 month, 18 days
  • Post-VP Career: U.S. Senator (1861), Major General in the Confederate States Army, Confederate Secretary of War.
Breckinridge was a Kentucky native born into a family with deep political roots. He was a successful attorney before entering the Kentucky state legislature in 1849. His rapid rise continued with his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1851. In 1856, at the age of 35, he was selected as the running mate for James Buchanan, and upon their victory, Breckinridge was inaugurated in 1857, becoming the youngest Vice President in the nation's history. His tenure was marked by the escalating tensions that led to the Civil War. After his term, he became a U.S. Senator, but his loyalty shifted dramatically. He was expelled from the Senate in 1861 for supporting the secession and joined the Confederate States Army, achieving the rank of Major General and later serving as the Confederate Secretary of War. His controversial role in the Civil War cemented his place not only as the youngest VP but also as one of the most politically polarizing figures to hold the office.

The Top 5 Youngest Vice Presidents in U.S. History

While Breckinridge holds the top spot, several other political powerhouses have assumed the Vice Presidency at a remarkably young age. The recent addition of JD Vance to this list, following the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, provides a fresh and unique update to this historical ranking.

1. John C. Breckinridge (36 Years Old)

As detailed above, Breckinridge’s record of 36 years, 1 month, and 18 days remains unbroken. His youth was overshadowed by the national crisis that defined his era, making his time in office a footnote to his dramatic Civil War service.

2. Richard M. Nixon (40 Years Old)

Richard Nixon became the 36th Vice President under President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. He was 40 years and 11 days old at his inauguration. Nixon's youth was seen as a major asset to the Republican ticket, providing a contrast to the older Eisenhower. His eight years as Vice President were instrumental in building the national profile and political machine that would eventually lead to his own successful run for the Presidency in 1968.

3. James David Vance (40 Years Old)

A recent and highly scrutinized addition to this list, James David “JD” Vance became the 50th Vice President of the United States in 2025. He was 40 years old at his inauguration. Vance's rapid ascent from a venture capitalist and author to the Vice Presidency is one of the most remarkable political stories of the modern era. His age and relative inexperience in traditional politics made him a focal point of discussion during the 2024 election cycle, highlighting the trend of younger, often non-traditional candidates rising to national prominence.

4. James Danforth "Dan" Quayle (41 Years Old)

Dan Quayle was inaugurated as the 44th Vice President under President George H.W. Bush in 1989. He was 41 years old. Quayle was a two-term U.S. Senator from Indiana and was selected by Bush to appeal to a younger, more conservative demographic. His four years in office were often marked by intense media scrutiny and cultural commentary about his youth and perceived lack of gravitas, demonstrating the challenges that can face a young person in the high-stakes office.

5. Theodore Roosevelt (42 Years Old)

Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 25th Vice President in 1901 at the age of 42. His time as Vice President under William McKinley was brief, lasting only 194 days before McKinley’s assassination propelled Roosevelt into the Presidency. At 42, Roosevelt became the youngest U.S. President in history, a record he still holds. His quick transition from a young VP to a young President is the ultimate example of the power and opportunity inherent in the Vice Presidency.

Notable Mentions: John C. Calhoun (42 years old), Al Gore (44 years old), and the first female Vice President, Kamala Harris (56 years old), also assumed the office at relatively young ages compared to the overall average.

The Youngest Vice Presidents on the Global Stage

While the U.S. record is impressive, the global political landscape features even younger figures who have attained the second-highest office in their respective nations. These examples demonstrate a willingness in some countries to elevate extremely young politicians to positions of immense power and responsibility.

Gibran Rakabuming Raka (Indonesia)

One of the most recent and prominent examples of a young global Vice President is Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who became the 14th Vice President of Indonesia in 2024. Gibran, the eldest son of outgoing President Joko Widodo, was 36 years old when he took office. His candidacy was highly controversial due to a constitutional court ruling that lowered the minimum age requirement for presidential and vice-presidential candidates from 40 to 35, effectively allowing him to run. His inauguration at age 36 makes him a contemporary counterpart to John C. Breckinridge, illustrating that the debate over the age of high-ranking officials is a global phenomenon.

Other Young Global Entities

While not a national Vice President, the World Bank has also seen youthful leadership. Minouche Shafik, a prominent economist, became the youngest-ever Vice President of the World Bank at the age of 36 in 1999. This demonstrates that the trend of young leaders breaking barriers is not limited to elected political office but extends to powerful international institutions as well.

The rise of young Vice Presidents—from Breckinridge’s dramatic Civil War career to JD Vance’s modern political disruption and Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s constitutional controversy—underscores a recurring theme in global politics: the tension between youthful ambition and the perceived need for seasoned experience. Whether these young leaders are seen as symbols of fresh change or as evidence of political opportunism, their place in history is cemented by the simple fact of their age and the immense power they wielded.

youngest vice president
youngest vice president

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