Democrats Face Clash Over Maxine Waters

House Democrats are poised to face a polarizing choice on the other side of the midterm elections: Shove aside one of the most prominent Black progressives in their party in favor of a middle-aged white guy with similar policy views, or potentially hand one of the most powerful chairmanships in Congress back to a nearly 90-year-old as their base clamors for generational change.

It’s poised to be one of the most contentious and high-profile fights for Democrats when they return to Washington, as Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois prepares to try to topple Rep. Maxine Waters of California in a race for the party’s top spot on the House Financial Services Committee. Casten’s likely move against Waters sets up a momentous clash over the coveted spot on the panel, which has wide-ranging jurisdiction over banking, housing, crypto, the Federal Reserve and more.

Casten’s bid starts as a long shot, but Waters is not without vulnerabilities. And her biggest is one she can do little about: her age.

At 88, Waters would be the oldest House Financial Services chair ever if control of the chamber flips. Democrats appear increasingly hungry for generational change in the wake of Joe Biden’s collapsed 2024 re-election campaign, with some in the party calling for an end to the so-called gerontocracy. House Democratic caucus rules impose no term limits on committee leaders, and Waters has led her side of the panel for 14 years, including two terms as chair.

“I think it’s a pretty broad appetite in our caucus for generational change, and you can’t get a more glaring case for generational change … than an 88-year-old member, who will turn 90 before the next Congress is over, clinging to the gavel,” said one senior House Democrat who was granted anonymity to speak candidly. (They added that they “have a world of respect for Maxine and her career and her values.”)

Waters has clashed at times over the years with other Democrats on the committee — progressives and moderates alike — and has faced gripes about not using the perch to raise more campaign cash for other members.

But unlike the 54-year-old Casten, Waters is an icon of the left who is well known around the country. Embraced as “Auntie Maxine” by young progressives during the first Trump administration, Waters is known as an ardent Trump foe who can also cut deals with Republicans.

“She is beloved in my district as Auntie Maxine,” said Rep. Ritchie Torres, a 38-year-old Financial Services Democrat who is “fully behind future Chair Maxine Waters.”

“I see Maxine’s wisdom not as a weakness but as a strength,” Torres added in response to a question about her age. “I can assure you Maxine Waters has more youthful energy than I will ever have in my life.”

Other Democrats are hungry for a change, highlighting the coming clash. One member of the House Democratic steering committee, which decides on committee assignments, said Casten is “competent, capable and a team player.”

“I have every confidence that as chair, he will be inclusive, good on the issues, and will use the platform to help the entire Democratic caucus,” the lawmaker said.

A spokesperson for Casten, who has not publicly commented on the race or confirmed he plans to run, declined to comment. A spokesperson for Waters did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Casten challenge isn't the only Democratic committee battle that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) will have to navigate. Two members have announced challenges to the top Education and Workforce Democrat, Rep. Bobby Scott. A spokesperson for Jeffries did not return a request for comment.

It’s unclear how — or if — Casten will seek to differentiate himself from Waters on policy. A former clean energy executive, Casten is best known for his focus on climate change and renewables, and he leads a sustainable investing caucus. Waters is a longtime champion of efforts to expand affordable housing supply and curb homelessness.

So far, Waters’ allies aren’t sweating Casten. They say he is ill-positioned to knock her out because he is far down the dais in terms of seniority and doesn’t have the gravitas to dislodge her.

“It’s curious, but I don’t know if it’s concerning,” said one former House Democratic aide and Waters ally. “I think that it’s strange in the sense that he’d be jumping over a lot of people.”

The contest could get bitter. Waters’ allies are perturbed that Casten previously indicated to her that he would not challenge her. And Democrats are expecting backlash from the Congressional Black Caucus to the idea of a less experienced white member cutting in front of a prominent Black member.

“You’re gonna hear from the CBC,” one House Democrat told said. (A spokesperson for the CBC did not respond to a request for comment.)

And it could spiral from here. Members and lobbyists are already speculating that Casten’s move could open the door to other Financial Services Democrats getting in the race.

“I take everything seriously,” said Rep. Brad Sherman, a senior committee Democrat who supports Waters and represents a nearby Los Angeles district. “But I think when it’s all over, Maxine will do just fine.”

Katherine Hapgood contributed to this report.