Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., is retiring after more than 30 years in office. The 89-year-old will finish out her term that expires in 2024 and not seek reelection.
In a statement, Feinstein said she still has more to accomplish in her final two years.
“I campaigned in 2018 on several priorities for California and the nation: preventing and combating wildfires, mitigating the effects of record-setting drought, responding to the homelessness crisis, and ensuring all Americans have access to affordable, high-quality health care,” Feinstein said.
Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., praised Feinstein for her bipartisan work on many issues, including the 1994 assault weapons ban and women’s rights.
“She’s a legend. A legend in California as the first woman senator. A legend in the senate. She was the leader on so many different issues,” Schumer said.
“For the past 30 years, California and our country has been magnificently served by the leadership of Senator Feinstein: from our national security and personal safety, to the health of our people and our planet, to the strength of our democracy,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said of her California colleague.
It was widely anticipated that Sen. Feinstein would retire. There have been multiple reports questioning the state of her mental health. Before she announced her retirement, two Democratic members of the House of Representatives announced their candidacy for her seat: Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff. Both of them represent districts in the Los Angeles area. Even more are expected to jump in the race now that Feinstein has officially announced her decision.
