Congresswoman Maxine Waters (born August 15, 1938) is a prominent American politician and one of the most influential African American women in U.S. politics. A California Democrat, she has served in the United States House of Representatives since January 1991, currently representing California’s 43rd Congressional District, which includes parts of South Los Angeles, Inglewood, Hawthorne, Gardena, Torrance, and surrounding communities.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, as the fifth of 13 children raised by a single mother, Waters overcame significant hardship. She began working at age 13 in factories and restaurants. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked in garment factories and at the telephone company before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Los Angeles in 1970.
Political Career
Waters began her political career in the California State Assembly, serving from 1977 to 1991, where she rose to become Democratic Caucus Chair. She authored bold legislation, including the nation’s first statewide Child Abuse Prevention Training Program, a ban on police strip searches for nonviolent misdemeanors, the first plant closure law, landmark affirmative action measures, and major divestment of state pension funds from apartheid South Africa.
In 1990, she was elected to the U.S. Congress. She has represented the 29th (1991–1993), 35th (1993–2013), and currently the 43rd Congressional District since 2013. Re-elected in 2022 with over 70% of the vote, she is serving her 17th term as of 2026.
Waters made history as the first woman and first African American to chair the powerful House Financial Services Committee. She is a senior member of House Democratic Leadership, serves on the Steering & Policy Committee, co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease, and is a founding member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Key Achievements and Advocacy
Known for her fiery, no-nonsense style and passionate advocacy, Waters has championed issues affecting women, children, people of color, the poor, veterans, and seniors. Major accomplishments include:
- Creating the Minority AIDS Initiative
- Establishing the Neighborhood Stabilization Program ($6 billion secured to fight foreclosures)
- Expanding debt relief for Africa and developing nations
- Leading opposition to the Iraq War through the “Out of Iraq” Caucus
- Fighting for housing rights, economic development, and environmental justice (including LAX expansion mitigation and Ballona Wetlands preservation)
She is affectionately called “Aunty Maxine” by younger generations for her outspoken defense of progressive causes.
Personal Life
Waters is married to former U.S. Ambassador Sidney Williams. She has two adult children, Edward and Karen, and two grandchildren.
Official Websites:
- Congressional Office: waters.house.gov
- Campaign: Often promoted via official channels and Democratic platforms.
