In 1999, he received 80% of the vote against independent Michael A. Rogers, Sr. Senator Maxwell served on the Committees on Rehabilitation and Social Services, Commerce and Labor, General Laws, and Transportation. Maxwell did not seek reelection in 2003 due to health issues. Maxwell died of complications from diabetes and Parkinson's disease on November 13, 2010 while staying with his daughter near Detroit, Michigan. He was buried in Hampton, Virginia.