Nineteen Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee have signed a letter supporting Rep. Maxine Waters’ bid to remain the party’s leading member on the panel, giving the longtime California lawmaker strong backing as a possible leadership contest takes shape. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) is leading the effort. All but three returning Democrats on the committee signed the draft letter, which praises Waters’ leadership and points to a housing bill enacted this year as evidence of her ability to negotiate with Republicans and the Senate while advancing Democratic priorities. The three returning members not on the letter are Reps. Sean Casten and Bill Foster of Illinois, both potential challengers, and Rep. Sam Liccardo of California. Casten has told Waters he intends to run for the post. Foster is considering a challenge but has not made a final decision. Liccardo said he is focused on the Nov. 3 election and winning a Democratic House majority, adding that committee leadership contests should wait until afterward. Spokespeople for Casten and Foster declined to comment. The draft says Waters has managed the committee with “skill and inclusivity,” and argues she gave members across the party’s ideological spectrum a role in its agenda. The letter and its list of signers were not yet final and could change before it is sent. Waters, 88, has served as the committee’s top Democrat since 2013. A fourth member, Rep. Everton Blair of Georgia, was not included because he is not returning to Congress next year; he joined the House in September to finish the term of the late Rep. David Scott. The leadership fight is unfolding ahead of the election, as Democrats look to regain the House majority. Liccardo’s statement underscored the tension between that campaign priority and the early maneuvering over committee leadership.