Maxine Waters is a U.S. Representative for California’s 43rd district, serving since 1991. At 87 years old, she ranks as the most senior Black woman in Congress and currently serves as Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, championing economic justice and social reform.
When Maxine Waters speaks, people listen. At 87, this California congresswoman remains one of the most vocal advocates in American politics. Her phrase “reclaiming my time” became a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing her no-nonsense approach to political discourse.
Born on August 15, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri, Waters was the fifth of 13 children raised by a single mother after her father left the family. Her journey from working in segregated restaurants at age 13 to becoming a congressional powerhouse shows the kind of determination that defines her career.
What This Article Covers: You’ll learn about Waters’ rise from humble beginnings to political prominence, her major legislative victories, current work in 2025, and why she remains a controversial yet influential figure in Congress.
From St. Louis to Los Angeles
Waters graduated from Vashon High School in St. Louis before moving with her family to Los Angeles in 1961. The transition marked a turning point in her life. She worked multiple jobs to support herself, including positions in garment factories and as a telephone operator.
Her political awakening came in 1966 when she was hired as an assistant teacher with the Head Start program in Watts. This experience exposed her to the struggles facing poor families and ignited her passion for advocacy. While working with Head Start, Waters enrolled at Los Angeles State College (now California State University, Los Angeles), where she received a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1971.
Building a Political Career
Waters entered politics through the side door. In 1973, she joined City Councilman David S. Cunningham Jr. as chief deputy. Three years later, she was elected to the California State Assembly in 1976, where she served for 14 years.
Her time in the State Assembly established her reputation as a fierce advocate. She fought for divestment of state pension funds from businesses operating in apartheid South Africa. She championed tenants’ rights and worked to eliminate unnecessary police strip searches for non-violent offenses.
Breaking Into Congress
In 1990, Waters was elected to the United States House of Representatives for California’s 29th congressional district with over 79% of the vote. She has won reelection consistently ever since, often securing more than 70% of votes.
Waters is the most senior of the 13 black women serving in Congress, and chaired the Congressional Black Caucus from 1997 to 1999. Her district includes much of southern Los Angeles, along with portions of Gardena, Inglewood, and Torrance.
Major Legislative Achievements
Waters’ legislative record spans four decades. Here are her most significant accomplishments:
Financial Services Leadership: She chaired the House Financial Services Committee from 2019 to 2023 and has been the ranking member since 2023, making her the first Black woman to lead this powerful committee.
Healthcare Initiatives: Waters helped develop the Minority AIDS Initiative in 1998, which directed resources to communities of color affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She has consistently pushed for better healthcare access for diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s patients.
Economic Development: Waters secured millions in federal grants for her district. She obtained funding for transit projects, including a $15 million RAISE grant for the Inglewood Transit Connector and $2.2 million for Gardena’s zero-emission bus replacement program.
Housing and Homelessness: She received the Bruce F. Vento Award from the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty for her work on behalf of homeless populations. Waters has been a consistent voice for affordable housing legislation.
Waters’ Work in 2025
Waters shows no signs of slowing down. In October 2025, she introduced the Head Start Shutdown Protection Act during a government shutdown. The legislation aimed to reimburse states and local governments that used their own funds to keep Head Start programs running.
Waters stated, “I introduced the Head Start Shutdown Protection Act in order to protect children and families in the Head Start program from the devastating impacts of the Trump-Republican shutdown, which is now in its 17th day”. Her personal connection to the program, having worked as a Head Start teacher herself, drives her advocacy.
In September 2025, she introduced the Justice for Exonerees Act and the PrEP and PEP are Prevention Act, continuing her focus on criminal justice reform and healthcare access.
Current Committee Role
As Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, Waters maintains significant influence over financial regulation, banking oversight, and consumer protection policies. She uses this position to scrutinize financial institutions and advocate for stricter regulations.
Controversies and Challenges
Waters’ career hasn’t been without controversy. Her confrontational style and outspoken nature have made her a lightning rod for criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
Ethics investigations have followed her over the years. Liberal watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington named her to its list of corrupt members of Congress in 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2011. These listings stemmed from questions about whether her relatives profited from her political connections.
In September 2025, Waters had a tense exchange with a reporter who questioned whether Democrats would risk a government shutdown over healthcare for undocumented immigrants. Her response, “This is the kind of journalism we don’t need,” sparked debate about media relations and political accountability.
Impact on Popular Culture
Waters transcended traditional politics to become a cultural icon. Millennials affectionately call her “Aunty Maxine,” appreciating her willingness to speak bluntly about issues that matter to younger generations.
Her “reclaiming my time” moment during a 2017 congressional hearing went viral, spawning countless memes and merchandise. The phrase became shorthand for refusing to be silenced or dismissed, particularly among women and people of color.
Key Statistics and Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Years in Congress | 34 years (since 1991) |
| Current Age | 87 years old |
| District Represented | California’s 43rd |
| Committee Position | Ranking Member, Financial Services |
| Election Margins | Consistently over 70% of votes |
| Terms in State Assembly | 7 terms (1976-1990) |
Waters’ Legislative Style
Waters operates differently than many politicians. She doesn’t mince words or hide behind diplomatic language. This directness appeals to constituents who feel traditional politicians don’t represent their interests.
Her grassroots organizing ability sets her apart. Waters maintains strong connections with community organizations and residents in her district. She holds regular town halls and community events, staying connected to the people she represents.
Critics argue her confrontational approach creates unnecessary conflict. Supporters counter that fighting for marginalized communities requires exactly this kind of boldness.
Personal Life and Family
Waters married Edward Waters in 1956, having two children, Edward and Karen, before divorcing in 1972. In 1977, she married Sidney Williams, a former NFL linebacker who later served as U.S. Ambassador to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
Tragedy touched her family in 2020 when her sister, Velma Moody, died from COVID-19 at age 86. This personal loss reinforced her commitment to healthcare access and pandemic response policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maxine Waters’ current position?
She serves as Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee and represents California’s 43rd congressional district.
How long has Maxine Waters been in Congress?
Waters has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1991, making her a 34-year veteran of Congress.
What is Maxine Waters known for?
She’s known for outspoken advocacy on financial regulation, housing, social justice, and her viral “reclaiming my time” phrase.
What bills has Maxine Waters introduced recently?
In 2025, she introduced the Head Start Shutdown Protection Act, Justice for Exonerees Act, and PrEP and PEP are Prevention Act.
Why is Maxine Waters called Aunty Maxine?
Millennials gave her this affectionate nickname for her fearless advocacy on issues affecting young people and communities of color.
Looking Ahead
At 87, Waters shows no indication of retiring. She continues introducing legislation, attending community events, and challenging her political opponents with the same energy that marked her early career.
Her legacy extends beyond specific bills or committee positions. Waters proved that politicians from working-class backgrounds could reach the highest levels of government without losing touch with their roots. She demonstrated that being outspoken and controversial doesn’t preclude effectiveness.
Whether you admire or criticize her, Maxine Waters shaped American politics in undeniable ways. Her voice will likely remain influential as long as she holds office, continuing to push for the economic justice and social reforms that have defined her career. The question isn’t whether Waters will continue fighting but what battles she’ll take on next.
