Rep. Maxine Waters defended older elected officials during a Capitol Hill interview, arguing that voters should judge politicians based on their performance and accomplishments rather than imposing age limits on public office. The 87-year-old California Democrat made the remarks after being approached by a TMZ producer following a Working Families press conference.
When asked whether younger Americans have valid concerns about aging political leaders remaining in power, Waters rejected the idea that age alone should determine fitness for office. Instead, she said voters should focus on a politician’s record, effectiveness, and ability to deliver results. “What do they do? What can you document? What can you give them credit for? What can you criticize them for?” Waters said, emphasizing that evaluation should be based on actions and leadership rather than birth dates.
The conversation later turned to President Donald Trump after the interviewer raised questions about whether an 80-year-old president might also face concerns similar to those previously directed at former President Joe Biden. Waters declined to directly address Trump’s age and instead criticized his leadership, accusing him of harming democratic institutions and benefiting financially from cryptocurrency ventures connected to his family. She argued that leadership quality, not age, should remain the deciding factor for voters.
Pressed repeatedly on whether there should be an upper age limit for the presidency or Congress, Waters maintained her position that the electorate alone should decide who serves in office. Even when presented with a hypothetical 100-year-old candidate, she responded that voters should determine whether someone deserves to remain in power.
The debate comes as Waters faces political pressure at home. Having represented South Los Angeles in Congress for 35 years, she is among the oldest members of Congress and is currently facing a challenge from Myla Rahman, a 53-year-old nonprofit executive promoting generational change. Rahman argues that many voters in the district are seeking younger leadership that better reflects the community’s demographics and everyday struggles, including housing affordability and raising families. She pointed out that the district’s average age is 36, creating what she described as a large generational gap between voters and their longtime representative.
Waters, however, insists that experience and continued energy are why she is seeking re-election. She argued that political parties traditionally choose candidates based on relationships, work ethic, and commitment to public service rather than age.
The article also referenced Waters’ appearance at an anti-ICE protest in downtown Los Angeles earlier this year. During the demonstration, Waters defended protesters as people exercising constitutional rights, though later clashes between agitators and police led to arrests, dispersal orders, and the use of tear gas and pepper balls by the LAPD.
