Los Angeles, CA–Maxine Waters is headed back to Congress for her 16th term after her race against Joe Collins, a Navy Veteran from South Central. Waters received over 70% of the vote against Collins and will continue to represent areas such as Torrance, Watts, Gardena and Westchester. Waters, 82, has been in office since 1991 and currently chairs the House Financial Services Committee.
Earlier this year, Waters older sister died from coronavirus complications.
Many point to the ills that continue to plague communities such as Watts, yet Waters continues to hold a mostly positive view from the residents in her district, which has kept her in office for more than 40 years.
She is highly respected by many in the gang community and was a leading figure in the 1990’s, calling for accountability after news broke about the CIA’s involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal and the subsequent flow of crack/cocaine into inner cities like South Central. Although highly disputed, the allegations forced then CIA director to Locke High School where he faced more than 800 angry community members.
Read More: CIA Head Speaks in L.A. to Counter Crack Claims
Earlier this summer Waters could be seen in the Watts community helping deliver boxes of food and produce to families during the coronavirus pandemic. The event was sponsored by Janelle Monae through Wondalunch, as well as various Los Angeles groups including The Leela Project. CNN political commentator Angela Rye was also in attendance.
Read More: Interview: Janelle Monae Brings Wondalunch To Watts
Video: Joe Collins For Congress