Rep. Maxine Waters pushed back against age restrictions for public servants Thursday, arguing that voter evaluation-not arbitrary age caps-should determine who holds office.
The 87-year-old California Democrat made her position clear during a Capitol Hill discussion, stating that performance and effectiveness matter more than chronological age. Waters is among Congress’s oldest sitting members and currently faces a primary challenge from 53-year-old Myla Rahman, a nonprofit executive and progressive candidate.
What Waters Said About Age and Fitness for Office
Waters rejected the notion that age alone disqualifies anyone from serving. “What do they do? What can you document? What can you give them credit for? What can you criticize them for?” Waters said. “If you do what it takes to evaluate, then you can decide.”
She emphasized that voters bear the responsibility of assessing candidates based on accomplishments and track records. “The people should evaluate who should be in office with their vote, and that’s it,” Waters said.
The Primary Challenge
Rahman has centered her campaign on generational change and lived experience. “Since I was 6 years old, she’s been in office, but as I do my work in the community, walk through the districts, talk to people, people want new leadership,” Rahman said.
Rahman highlighted her connection to current constituent concerns, noting her status as a renter facing housing affordability challenges. “Elections are about the future. They’re not really about the past,” Rahman added.
Waters’s Defense of Her Record
Waters argues her experience and daily commitment justify another term. She has remained active in community advocacy, appearing at an anti-ICE protest in downtown Los Angeles in February where she stood alongside demonstrators in riot gear-clad police presence.
This story has been updated. CNN’s political team contributed to this report.
