The Youngest Vice President in U.S. History (and 5 Close Contenders)

John Cabell Breckinridge became the nation's youngest vice president in 1857.

Just 36 years old when he took office under President James Buchanan, Breckinridge had already served in the House of Representatives. A rising star in the Democratic Party, he was known for his Southern roots and polished demeanor.

After serving as VP, he sided with the Confederacy during the Civil War and became a Confederate general. Breckinridge’s entire political career was a mix of ambition, loyalty and controversy.

Before he was president, Richard Nixon served as vice president under Dwight D. Eisenhower starting in 1953. He was 40 when he took office (40 years and 11 days, to be precise), making him one of the youngest vice presidents in the modern era.

Nixon gained national prominence during a fiercely competitive presidential campaign as the Republican vice presidential candidate. His extensive public record and biting "critic persona" helped shape his image long before he entered the White House.

At just 40 years old when taking office (40 years and 171 days, so older than Nixon), J.D. Vance became the third-youngest vice president in 2025 after running with President Donald Trump.

Known for his bestselling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," Vance rose to national prominence following a four-way Senate primary and a game-changing endorsement from Trump.

A Midwestern conservative with an extensive public record, he appeals to the white working class and remains a polarizing figure in modern politics.

Dan Quayle was 41 when he became vice president to George H.W. Bush in 1989. Often seen as a Midwestern conservative, Quayle had previously served in the Senate.

He endured criticism from liberal voters and comedians alike but remained one of the youngest people to ever hold the office. His vice presidency was marked by efforts to appeal to the white working class and balance a polarized ticket.

At 42, Theodore Roosevelt was another young vice president when he assumed the role in 1901. His time in the position was short; President William McKinley was assassinated just months later, and Roosevelt became the new president.

Known for his robust energy and reform-driven politics, Roosevelt's vice presidency was more of a springboard than a long-term gig.

Al Gore took office as vice president in 1993 under President Bill Clinton. He was 44 at the time, having previously served in the Senate and the House.

A prominent voice in the Democratic Party, Gore brought an extensive public record and a reputation as one of the fiercest defenders of environmental causes. Liberal voters devoured his policy proposals, especially those tied to climate science and tech innovation.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.