Maxine Waters Faces Primary Challenge from Younger Democrat

Myla Rahman, a 34-year-old nonprofit executive, is aiming to unseat the 87-year-old congresswoman who has held the seat for 35 years.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Myla Rahman, a 34-year-old nonprofit executive and cancer survivor, is launching a primary challenge against longtime Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters in California's 43rd District. Rahman is highlighting generational change and voters' discontent with aging politicians as she tries to oust the 87-year-old Waters, who has held the seat since 1991.

Why it matters

Waters' primary challenge reflects a broader trend of younger Democrats challenging long-serving incumbents, fueled by a desire for generational change. While Waters remains influential as the ranking Democrat on the powerful House Financial Services Committee, Rahman's campaign gives the GOP some ammunition to criticize the Democratic Party's aging leadership.

The details

Rahman, who filed her paperwork with the Federal Election Commission a week ago, is making affordable healthcare a focus of her campaign after surviving two bouts with breast cancer. She told the California Post, 'My mission is to help with preventative care and people not even getting sick, and that includes mental, physical and mental well-being.' While Republicans don't have a realistic chance of flipping the solidly-blue 43rd District, Rahman's primary challenge could still impact the race.

  • Myla Rahman filed her paperwork with the Federal Election Commission a week ago.
  • Maxine Waters has held the 43rd District seat since 1991, over 35 years.

The players

Myla Rahman

A 34-year-old nonprofit executive, Los Angeles native, and cancer survivor who is launching a primary challenge against longtime Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

Maxine Waters

An 87-year-old Democratic Congresswoman who has represented California's 43rd District since 1991, over 35 years.

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What they’re saying

“People are sick and tired of the same old thing.”

— Myla Rahman, Nonprofit Executive (California Post)

“Time is of the essence and why wait when you can make an impactful change now?”

— Myla Rahman, Nonprofit Executive (California Post)

The takeaway

This primary challenge reflects a broader trend of younger Democrats seeking to unseat long-serving incumbents, fueled by a desire for generational change. While Waters remains influential, Rahman's campaign highlights voters' discontent with aging politicians and could give the GOP some ammunition, even in this solidly-blue district.