Net Worth Ranker
What Is Maxine Waters’ Net Worth?
As of recent assessments, Maxine Waters, a prominent figure in American politics and a member of the Democratic Party, holds an estimated net worth of $2 million [1]. Her financial disclosure reports indicate a balance of assets and liabilities, offering insight into the composition of her wealth [1]. Specifically, Waters has declared assets totaling approximately $1.5 million against liabilities amounting to $1.4 million [1]. This financial overview provides a snapshot of her economic standing within the political landscape.
Maxine Waters’ Assets and Liabilities
The most substantial asset in Maxine Waters’ portfolio is her residence, with an estimated value ranging from $1 million to $4 million [1]. The variability in this valuation is contingent upon prevailing real estate market conditions and comparative sales data of similar properties in her area [1]. Such fluctuations are typical in real estate holdings, reflecting the dynamic nature of property values. The specifics of additional assets, if any, were not detailed in the provided context.
On the liabilities side, Waters is reported to have $1.4 million in debt [1]. Further details about the nature and composition of these liabilities were not specified in the provided documentation.
Maxine Waters’ Early Career and Political Ascendancy
Maxine Waters’ journey into politics began with early life experiences that shaped her perspective and commitment to public service. Born Maxine Moore Carr on August 15, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri, she experienced early childhood challenges, including her father’s departure when she was just two years old [1]. Raised by her mother, Velma, alongside twelve siblings, Waters learned resilience and resourcefulness from a young age [1]. She completed her secondary education at Vashon High School in St. Louis before relocating to Los Angeles, California, in 1961 [1].
In Los Angeles, Waters engaged in various occupations, including work as a garment factory employee and a telephone operator [1]. Her career trajectory shifted in 1966 when she became an assistant teacher in the Head Start program, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiative focused on early childhood education, in South Los Angeles [1]. This experience likely influenced her understanding of social welfare and inequality.
Continuing her educational pursuits, Waters earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Los Angeles State College in 1971 [1]. Her formal entry into politics occurred in 1973 when she assumed the role of chief deputy to David Surmier Cunningham Jr., a Los Angeles City Councilman [1]. This position provided her with valuable experience in local governance and political administration.
In 1976, Waters successfully ran for the California State Assembly, marking a significant milestone in her political career [1]. She served seven terms in the Assembly, eventually rising to the position of Democratic Caucus Chair [1]. Her tenure in the California State Assembly laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in national politics.
Waters’ ascent to the national stage culminated in 1990 when she was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing California’s 29th Congressional District [1]. Over the years, the district underwent renumbering, becoming the 35th in 1992 and the 43rd in 2012 [1]. As a member of Congress, Waters has distinguished herself through her outspoken advocacy on various issues and her commitment to representing her constituents’ interests.
Maxine Waters’ Congressional Leadership Roles
Throughout her tenure in Congress, Maxine Waters has assumed prominent leadership positions, reflecting her influence and expertise within the legislative body. She holds the distinction of being the most senior black woman in Congress and the second-highest in seniority among the California congressional delegation, trailing only former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi [1]. This seniority underscores her long-standing presence and impact in Congress.
In 2008, Waters served as a Democratic National Convention superdelegate, initially endorsing Hillary Clinton for the party’s presidential nomination before later transferring her support to Barack Obama [1]. This reflects her engagement in the presidential selection process and her role within the Democratic Party.
Waters’ leadership extends to committee assignments, notably her role as the ranking member of the United States House Committee on Financial Services in 2012 [1]. This position allowed her to exert considerable influence over financial policy and regulation. Additionally, she chaired the Congressional Black Caucus from 1997 to 1999, advocating for issues of importance to the African American community [1]. More recently, Waters chaired the United States House Committee on Financial Services from 2019 to 2023, further solidifying her role in shaping financial legislation [1].
Maxine Waters’ Controversies and Ethical Scrutiny
Throughout her career, Maxine Waters has faced various controversies and ethical scrutiny, reflecting the complexities of political life. In 1992, during the Los Angeles riots, Waters’ actions and statements drew both support and criticism. She led the chant “No justice, no peace” at a rally and assisted in distributing relief supplies [1]. Waters characterized the upheaval as an understandable rebellion against injustice, diverging from the prevailing characterization of the events as a “riot” [1].
Waters has been a vocal critic of various political figures, including Republican presidents George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, and Donald Trump [1]. She labeled George H.W. Bush as a “racist” and described Trump as a “bully,” “shameful racist,” and “egotistical maniac” [1]. Trump responded to Waters’ criticisms by referring to her as a “low IQ individual” [1].
Waters has also expressed criticism of Democratic president Barack Obama, asserting that he did not provide sufficient support to African Americans [1]. Obama responded by urging Waters to focus on constructive action rather than complaints [1].
In 2019, Waters voted to impeach Donald Trump, characterizing him as “the worst president in the history of the United States” [1].
On July 29, 1994, Waters’ behavior during a speech by Republican Peter King led to her temporary suspension from the White House [1]. The presiding officer, Carrie Meek, deemed her conduct “unruly and turbulent” and threatened formal disciplinary action [1].
The non-profit organization Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington included Waters on its list of corrupt Congress members in 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2011 [1]. Additionally, Citizens Against Government Waste designated her as “Porker of the Month” in June 2009 due to her proposal to earmark funds for the Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center [1].
Waters faced accusations of an ethics violation concerning her efforts to assist OneUnitedBank, a black-owned Massachusetts company [1]. Her husband was a stockholder and former director of the bank, and OneUnitedBank executives had contributed significantly to her campaigns [1]. In 2010, the House Ethics Committee charged Waters with ethics violations for arranging meetings between OneUnitedBank and Treasury Department officials [1]. However, after an investigation, the House Ethics Committee cleared her of all charges on September 21, 2012 [1].
In 2018, the Republican Jewish Coalition called for the resignation of several members of Congress, including Waters, due to their connections with Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, which has been characterized as anti-Semitic [1].
Also in 2018, Waters faced accusations of inciting violence when she advised people at a rally to confront Trump administration officials [1]. Following the death of George Floyd in 2020, a trial judge described Waters’ comments on the matter as “abhorrent” and “disrespectful to the rule of law” [1]. Republican minority leader Kevin McCarthy introduced a resolution to censure Waters, but the House voted to block the resolution [1]. Waters later stated that her comments had been taken out of context [1].
Maxine Waters’ Recognition and Personal Life
Despite controversies, Maxine Waters has received recognition for her contributions and influence. In 2018, she was included in Time Magazine’s list of “100 Most Influential People” [1]. However, this recognition was met with opposition from some quarters. On October 24, 2018, packages containing pipe bombs were sent to two of her offices, part of a broader series of packages sent to Democratic politicians [1]. Cesar Altieri Sayoc Jr. later admitted to sending the pipe bombs and was sentenced to 20 years in prison [1].
Waters has received the Bruce F. Vento Award from the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty and the Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women [1].
In her personal life, Maxine is married to Sidney Williams, a former NFL football linebacker who served as the United States Ambassador to the Bahamas during Bill Clinton’s presidency [1]. The couple resides in Los Angeles, California [1].
