Progressive Representative Maxine Waters of California is facing scrutiny from the Federal Election Commission over alleged violations related to her 2020 campaign finances. The FEC found that Waters’s campaign accepted more than $19,000 in excessive contributions and made $7,000 in cash payments to volunteers, violating established regulations.
In a recent agreement with the FEC, the Waters campaign accepted a $68,000 fine. The violations were attributed to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which made traditional payment methods more difficult for her canvassing team. An attorney representing the campaign stated that the errors were largely unintentional and resulted from limited resources during that period.
Leilani Beaver, the attorney for the Waters campaign, noted that the campaign took steps to rectify the situation, including refunding the excessive contributions. She emphasized that the issue stemmed from logistical difficulties rather than any intentional misconduct.
This latest fine adds to a history of scrutiny surrounding Waters’s campaign dealings, particularly concerning payments made to her daughter, Karen Waters. Since 2004, the California congresswoman has paid her daughter over $818,000 from campaign funds primarily for producing slate mailers, which promote candidates while also providing endorsements from Waters.
The FEC previously dismissed a complaint against Waters in 2021 that alleged her slate mailer operations violated campaign finance laws. In response to the recent ruling, the Waters campaign has committed to enhancing its financial oversight, including legal consultations and treasurer training programs to prevent similar issues in the future.
The FEC’s decision to impose the fine was unanimous, reflecting a concern for campaign finance integrity. Waters has been an outspoken figure in American politics, especially as a critic of former President Donald Trump. Since the beginning of Trump’s second term, she has encouraged her supporters to engage actively in political protests and resist his administration.
In prior instances, Waters has made controversial statements encouraging protesters to confront Trump administration officials publicly. In 2018, she advised followers to approach members of the Cabinet in various public spaces, urging them to “push back” against these officials.
Waters did not respond to requests for comment regarding the FEC’s ruling and her campaign’s handling of the situation.
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