The November 2026 elections are important for both major parties.
Democrats hope to gain enough House seats to control the chamber, while Republicans are campaigning to maintain their majority.
A change in control would affect committee assignments, investigative priorities, legislative scheduling, and the political balance between Congress and the White House.
If Democrats win the House, experienced lawmakers such as Waters could find themselves in important positions as the party determines how to conduct oversight and advance its agenda.
Recent reporting suggests that Democrats are preparing for this possibility while also debating how much continuity their leadership structure should preserve.
The discussion extends beyond Waters. Other long-serving members also occupy influential positions, and younger lawmakers have their own ambitions and policy priorities.
That means the party's future leadership decisions could have consequences for the entire legislative agenda.
But the election results are not known in advance, and potential leadership arrangements should not be presented as settled outcomes.
