Maxine Waters Wins Reelection, Becomes Oldest Congress Member

Maxine Waters, a longtime congresswoman for Southern California, has won reelection in California's 43rd Congressional District, according to NBC News. Waters, who turned 88 in August, defeated Republican challenger Cristian Morales by a significant margin, securing nearly 82% of the votes with 64.3% of the expected ballots counted.

Waters, first elected to Congress in 1990, is now the oldest serving member of Congress. She is expected to continue leading the Financial Services Committee, which oversees the banking industry, housing, and financial markets. Her victory was widely anticipated, as she received four times as many votes as Morales in the June primary.

The congresswoman has represented the South Los Angeles and South Bay regions for decades, including areas like Inglewood, Compton, Hawthorne, and Torrance, which have sizable Black and Latino populations. Despite her age, Waters dismissed concerns, stating she has more energy than younger people.

Waters has been a key figure in the Democratic Party and California politics for years. Before Congress, she served in the California State Assembly for 14 years and has been on the Democratic National Committee since 1980. She has played significant roles in five presidential campaigns.

Known for her outspoken advocacy, Waters has embraced the nickname "Aunty Maxine," which resonates with younger supporters. Her direct criticism of President Donald Trump and his administration has also increased her national profile.

Waters made history as the first woman and first African American to chair the House Financial Services Committee from 2019 to 2023. Her recent reelection reflects her enduring influence and leadership in Congress.