Maxine Waters is the newest target in Democrats' intergenerational war

"Waters is the rare member of Congress to be both a local icon and a national meme. She gained near-celebrity status in President Donald Trump's first term as "Auntie Maxine" who regularly lobbed acerbic barbs at the president and his administration. She has maintained an electoral lock on her South Los Angeles district, normally winning with more than 70 or 80 percent of the vote. That commanding presence has deterred any serious challenge against Waters in decades."

"But Rahman is aiming to tap into Democrats' party-wide discontent over their graying representation, spurred on by President Joe Biden's initial decision to run for reelection in 2024 despite concerns about his advanced age and mental acuity. In California, long-serving Democratic incumbents like Reps. Brad Sherman and Mike Thompson are facing insurgent campaigns from younger opponents."

"Rahman, who is 53, pointedly noted Waters has been her representative since she moved into the district at age 6. She said her differences from the congressmember are stylistic, not ideological, and that she considers herself "more energetic, younger, more relatable in terms of the experiences that people face in the district." Rahman said she is especially focused on affordable health care after surviving two occurrences of breast cancer."

Maxine Waters holds a commanding, near-celebrity position in South Los Angeles, often labeled "Auntie Maxine" for sharp attacks on President Trump and his administration. She routinely wins her district with 70–80 percent of the vote and has deterred serious challengers for decades. Janani Rahman, 53, is mounting a primary challenge that taps Democratic unease over aging incumbents and a broader generational shift. Rahman frames her differences as stylistic, portraying herself as more energetic and relatable, and highlights affordable health care after surviving two bouts of breast cancer. Waters’ seniority grants major influence on Financial Services and possible committee leadership.

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