Rep. Maxine Waters said she does not support imposing age limits on elected officials, arguing that voters should ultimately decide whether a politician is fit to remain in office. Speaking with a TMZ producer after a Capitol Hill event, the long-serving California Democrat rejected the idea that age alone should determine political viability.
Waters, who is 87, emphasized that public service should be judged through results rather than demographics. She argued that constituents are capable of evaluating leaders based on their record, stating that effectiveness, accomplishments, and accountability are more meaningful measures than chronological age.
During the exchange, she was asked whether younger Americans have a point when they express concern about aging politicians. Waters responded by stressing evaluation over categorization, suggesting that voters should look at what elected officials “do” and what they can be credited for or criticized for in office.
When pressed on whether a very elderly president would be appropriate for the role, Waters avoided directly addressing the hypothetical scenario. Instead, she shifted focus to criticism of President Donald Trump, accusing him of undermining democratic institutions and prioritizing personal gain. She also referenced his leadership style and policy decisions, arguing that his administration has weakened public trust.
Despite repeated questions about age limits, Waters maintained her position that elections—not fixed age requirements—should determine who serves in public office. She reiterated that voters are the appropriate authority to decide whether any candidate, regardless of age, should hold power.
The comments come as Waters prepares for another reelection campaign in her Los Angeles-area district, where she has served for more than three decades. She is facing a primary challenge from Myla Rahman, a younger nonprofit leader who has argued that the district’s demographic makeup calls for new representation focused on affordability, housing, and generational change.
Waters, however, continues to defend her long tenure, arguing that experience, relationships, and legislative history remain critical qualities in effective leadership.
