NEW: Democrat Knives Come Out For Maxine Waters As Party Revolt Grows

Rep. Maxine Waters is facing a growing challenge from fellow House Democrats, with younger lawmakers moving to oust the 88-year-old from her powerful committee leadership post as frustration over the party’s aging leadership spills into the open.

Waters, who has led Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee since 2013, is working to secure support as multiple colleagues consider challenging her position ahead of the next Congress.

Rep. Sean Casten, 54, of Illinois, has already informed Waters that he intends to challenge her, while fellow Illinois Democrat Rep. Bill Foster, 71, is weighing a bid of his own.

The brewing showdown comes amid a broader push by younger House Democrats to replace veteran committee leaders, setting up another potentially bruising internal fight over the party’s future.

One senior House Democrat delivered a particularly sharp assessment of the situation, describing a “widespread perception” among colleagues that octogenarians holding on to leadership positions are “just selfish, and is not in the best interests of our caucus. We need to have the best team on the field.”

The lawmaker, who spoke anonymously to Politico, predicted that Casten would mount a serious challenge.

Waters, however, is already working to protect her position.

The California Democrat has been reaching out to colleagues in an effort to build support, including recruiting lawmakers from opposing wings of the party to help whip votes on her behalf.

According to Punchbowl News, Waters asked moderate Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and progressive Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts to help organize support for her leadership bid.

The outreach could help Waters demonstrate that she maintains backing across the Democratic caucus, even as some colleagues push for generational change.

Another potential complication is Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, a senior Financial Services Committee member and longtime Waters ally.

Beatty has reportedly been encouraged by Democratic lawmakers and lobbyists to consider entering the contest, although a House Democratic staffer familiar with the situation told Politico she would only run “contingent on the current chairwoman not being able to have enough votes.”

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A spokesperson for Beatty said she intends to vote for Waters.

Waters also has influential allies within the Congressional Black Caucus, which boasts more than 50 members.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, a member of both the caucus and the Financial Services Committee, publicly backed the veteran Democrat.

“Unless there is an individual who brings the unrivaled experience and tantalizing toughness of Maxine Waters, I look forward to supporting her,” Cleaver said in a statement.

Waters could also draw support from California’s sizable Democratic congressional delegation as she works to fend off the challenge.

Casten’s supporters, meanwhile, believe his candidacy could appeal to Democrats seeking new leadership without a major shift in the committee’s policy direction.

The Illinois Democrat generally aligns with Waters on policy, although his candidacy comes amid growing demands within the party for younger lawmakers to take on more prominent roles.

Foster, who serves as the top Democrat on the Financial Institutions Subcommittee, could offer another alternative.

The 71-year-old has previously supported changes aimed at encouraging longtime committee leaders to make way for a new generation. He has also taken a more moderate approach to certain financial regulations.

The leadership struggle follows a series of successful challenges in 2024, when younger House Democrats defeated several veteran lawmakers for top committee positions.

Those contests unfolded without intervention from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who allowed members to settle the disputes themselves.

Democratic leadership is taking a similar approach this time, according to Semafor, which reported Thursday that Jeffries and other party leaders are remaining neutral as Casten pursues Waters’ position.

The stakes could grow considerably if Democrats capture control of the House in November.

Waters currently serves as the committee’s ranking member, but she would be in line to become chairwoman if her party wins the majority and she retains the top Democratic position.

The committee oversees major financial institutions, banking regulations and cryptocurrency policy, making its leadership a coveted position on Capitol Hill.

For Waters, the challenge threatens a leadership role she has held for more than a decade, with fellow Democrats now openly questioning whether it is time for a change.

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