Who Is Maxine Waters? Age, Biography and Wiki
Maxine Waters was born on August 15, 1938, which makes her 86 years old as of 2025. An influential American politician and member of the Democratic Party, Waters has served in the U.S. House of Representatives for California's 43rd district since 2013, and previously for the 29th district from 1991 to 2013. With a career spanning over three decades, Waters has been known for her outspoken and progressive views on issues ranging from public policy to economic justice. Her resilience and dedication to her constituents have cemented her legacy as one of the most prominent voices in American politics.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 15, 1938 |
| Age | 86 Years |
| Birth Place | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Maxine Waters's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Maxine Waters has a commanding presence, standing at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall. Although specific weight details fluctuate, estimates suggest she weighs around 150 lbs (68 kg). Her measurements are not widely publicized, but she is known for her polished appearance and style, often showcasing strength and confidence in her public engagements.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her life, Maxine Waters has experienced a mix of personal relationships. She was married to Sidney Williams, a former professional football player and businessman, from 1977 until their divorce in 2009. As of 2025, there are no confirmed reports regarding her current relationship status or any potential boyfriends. Waters has always valued her privacy when it comes to her personal life, focusing primarily on her political career and community involvement.
Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Remus Carr and Velma Lee (née Moore). The fifth of 13 children, she was raised by her single mother after her father left the family when Maxine was two. She graduated from Vashon High School in St. Louis before moving with her family to Los Angeles in 1961.
She worked in a garment factory and as a telephone operator before being hired as an assistant teacher with the Head Start program in Watts in 1966. Waters later enrolled at Los Angeles State College (now California State University, Los Angeles), where she received a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1971.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Maxine Waters' estimated net worth is around $3 million. Her income is derived from her long-standing career as a politician, speaker fees, and investments. Waters earns a substantial salary as a member of Congress, which is set at $174,000 annually. Additionally, her savvy investments have contributed to her considerable wealth.
On March 27, 2014, Waters introduced a discussion draft of the Housing Opportunities Move the Economy Forward Act of 2014 known as the Home Forward Act of 2014. A key provision of the bill includes the collection of 10 basis points for "every dollar outstanding mortgages collateralizing covered securities", estimated at $5 billion a year.
These funds would be directed to three funds that support affordable housing initiatives, with 75% going to the National Housing trust fund.
The National Housing Trust Fund will then provide block grants to states to be used primarily to build, preserve, rehabilitate, and operate rental housing that is affordable to the lowest income households, and groups including seniors, disabled persons and low income workers.
The National Housing Trust was enacted in 2008, but has yet to be funded. In 2009, Waters co-sponsored Representative John Conyers's bill calling for reparations for slavery to be paid to black Americans.
Career, Business and Investments
Maxine Waters has had an illustrious career in public service. Prior to her election to Congress, she served on the California State Assembly and was involved as a community organizer in Los Angeles. In Congress, she has been a strong advocate for financial reform, social justice, and equality. Waters has led various legislative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of her constituents and addressing systemic inequalities.
Waters is also known for her investments in real estate and has made substantial contributions to nonprofit organizations that address community needs. Her business acumen has been recognized as a driving force behind her effective advocacy and leadership.
In 1973, Waters went to work as chief deputy to City Councilman David S. Cunningham Jr. She was elected to the California State Assembly in 1976.
In the Assembly, she worked for the divestment of state pension funds from any businesses active in South Africa, a country then operating under the policy of apartheid, and helped pass legislation within the guidelines of the divestment campaign's Sullivan Principles. She ascended to the position of Democratic Caucus Chair for the Assembly.
Social Network
From her active role in politics, Maxine Waters maintains a strong presence on social media. She is engaged on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, where she shares updates on her legislative efforts, community events, and political commentary. Waters uses her social network to connect with her supporters and elevate critical social issues to a broader audience. Her social media following and engagement highlight her relevance in contemporary political discourse.
After a 1996 San Jose Mercury News article alleged the complicity of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the Los Angeles crack epidemic of the 1980s, Waters called for an investigation. She asked whether "U.S.-government paid or organized operatives smuggled, transported and sold it to American citizens".
The United States Department of Justice announced it had failed to find any evidence to support the original story. The Los Angeles Times also concluded after its own extensive investigation that the allegations were not supported by evidence.
The author of the original story, Gary Webb, was eventually transferred to a different beat and removed from investigative reporting, before his death in 2004. Webb was found in his apartment with two bullet holes in his head. His death was declared a suicide.
After these post-publication investigations, Waters read into the Congressional Record a memorandum of understanding in which former President Ronald Reagan's CIA director rejected any duty by the CIA to report illegal narcotics trafficking to the Department of Justice.
Education
Maxine Waters attended California State University, Los Angeles, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology in 1971. Her educational background laid the groundwork for her later work in social justice and community organization, equipping her with the knowledge necessary to advocate for her constituents effectively.
Waters chaired the Congressional Black Caucus from 1997 to 1998. In 2005, she testified at the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce hearings on "Enforcement of Federal Anti-Fraud Laws in For-Profit Education", highlighting the American College of Medical Technology as a "problem school" in her district.
In 2006, she was involved in the debate over King Drew Medical Center. She criticized media coverage of the hospital and asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deny a waiver of the cross ownership ban, and hence license renewal for KTLA-TV, a station the Los Angeles Times owned.
She said, "The Los Angeles Times has had an inordinate effect on public opinion and has used it to harm the local community in specific instances." She requested that the FCC force the paper to either sell its station or risk losing that station's broadcast rights.
According to Broadcasting & Cable, the challenges raised "the specter of costly legal battles to defend station holdings... At a minimum, defending against one would cost tens of thousands of dollars in lawyers' fees and probably delay license renewal about three months". Waters's petition was unsuccessful.
