Rep. Maxine Waters rejected calls for age limits on elected officials during a Capitol Hill interview Thursday, arguing voters — not age restrictions — should decide who serves in office.
Waters said politicians should be judged by their “performance and effectiveness,” not their age. When asked whether even a 100-year-old candidate should be allowed to serve, she responded that voters should make that decision at the ballot box.
The discussion later shifted to President Donald Trump, but Waters avoided commenting on his age and instead criticized his leadership, accusing him of breaking promises and enriching himself through cryptocurrency ventures.
At 87, Waters is one of the oldest members of Congress and is facing a tough primary challenge from 53-year-old nonprofit executive Myla Rahman, who argues the district is ready for younger leadership. Rahman pointed to issues like housing affordability and generational relatability as key concerns for voters.
Waters, who has represented South Los Angeles for 35 years, says her experience and energy remain strong reasons for seeking re-election.
The longtime congresswoman also recently appeared at an anti-ICE protest in Los Angeles before demonstrations later turned chaotic, leading to multiple arrests near a federal detention center.
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