Financial Services members

Black Caucus Financial Services members back Maxine Waters as panel’s top Democrat

Waters’ allies are also discussing other letters of support, including potentially one from a broader group of House Financial Services members.

Jasper Goodman

Seven members of the Congressional Black Caucus serving on the House Financial Services Committee signed a letter Monday backing Rep. Maxine Waters’ bid to remain as the panel’s Democratic leader, according to a copy obtained by POLITICO.

The letter of support urging the panel’s Democrats to back Waters was signed by Reps. Gregory Meeks of New York, Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, Joyce Beatty of Ohio, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Ritchie Torres of New York, Nikema Williams of Georgia and Janelle Bynum of Oregon.

Waters, 88, has been the top Democrat on the powerful House Financial Services Committee since 2013 and is facing potential challenges from Illinois Reps. Sean Casten, 54, and Bill Foster, 71. Casten told Waters this week that he plans to run against her, and Foster is considering entering the race but has not made a final decision.

CBC Chair Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) is also backing Waters for the role.

It comes as Waters’ allies are also discussing other letters of support, including potentially one from a broader group of Financial Services members, according to two people with knowledge of the matter who were granted anonymity to discuss private planning.

“Congresswoman Waters brings unmatched leadership, institutional knowledge, and a proven record of delivering results for American consumers and hardworking families,” the letter said. “With more than three decades of experience in Congress and nearly 14 years leading the House Democratic Caucus on financial services matters, she brings unparalleled expertise and a clear understanding of the challenges facing our financial system, making her uniquely qualified to steer the committee at this critical moment.”

Two departing CBC members on the panel — Reps. Cleo Fields of Louisiana and Al Green of Texas — were not included on the letter. Green lost his primary and Fields is not seeking re-election.