Rep. Maxine Waters, the 87-year-old California Democrat, rejected calls from some fellow party members for younger leadership on Capitol Hill as she eyes another term leading the House Financial Services Committee.

Waters, who would become the oldest chair in the committee's history if Democrats regain the House majority in November, emphasized her vigor and accomplishments in a recent interview. "If you take a look at my energy and what I do, I am Auntie Maxine. I’m the one who popularized ‘reclaiming my time.’ … I don’t know who’s got more energy, more concern. And so, Maxine Waters seems to be doing alright," she said.

The powerful panel oversees banking, housing, the Federal Reserve, insurance, and cryptocurrency. Waters, the first Black woman to chair it in 2019, has secured bipartisan wins, including a seven-year reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank and measures against shell companies and money laundering.

Some Democrats, however, question her fitness amid broader party debates over aging leaders. Privately, members of the Financial Services Committee complain that Waters fails to elevate junior colleagues or share finance industry campaign funds effectively. She donated $250,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee since 2023, far less than Rep. Richard Neal's $990,000 or Rep. Rosa DeLauro's $869,000.

One anonymous Democrat said, "A leader should ‘always take care of your troops first.’ I think Maxine has a challenge with that." Critics also note she hogs the spotlight and limits opportunities for others to lead.

Waters faces a long-shot primary challenge from nonprofit executive Myla Rahman, 34 years her junior, who framed the race as a push for generational turnover. "She’s done a lot of great work. But we’re saying, let’s pass the baton and let a new generation of leadership come have a seat at the table," Rahman said.

On fundraising, Waters defended her caution: "I want to help them, but I don’t want them to be misused by the big boys with all the money who think they can own us. They cannot own me." She plans to increase support for members.

Supporters praised her sharpness and inclusivity. Rep. Stephen Lynch called her "very inclusive," adding she brings "Main Street into the discussion, not just Wall Street." Rep. Greg Meeks said she "hasn’t lost a step." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries endorsed her, stating Waters "has led the Financial Services Committee with vision, intellect, passion, and skill."

Rep. Sean Casten distinguished mental acuity from age, saying, "I don’t have any concern that she’s mentally up for the job."

Democrats lack term limits for committee leaders, unlike Republicans, allowing veterans like Waters, in Congress for nearly 50 years, to hold sway. Her allies see her return as vital for overseeing President Trump's administration and gearing up for 2028 amid economic fights.

Waters recently joined a protest outside the Department of Education in freezing weather to underscore her commitment. On challengers, she said, "I believe that everybody who wants to run should have an opportunity to run."