Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the longest-serving senator from her state has died, according to people familiar with the matter. Feinstein, who was 90, made herself known for advocating and trying to find common ground with her colleagues on the other side of the aisle to pass stricter gun legislation.
Feinstein wrote and passed a 10-year assault weapons ban in 1994. The National Rifle Association objected to the ban and after it expired, it was never renewed or replaced.
She served in the U.S. Senate for three decades.
In February 2023, Feinstein, at the age of 89, announced she would retire at the end of 2024 as questions about her health began to circulate. Feinstein was elected to the Senate in 1992 and served 50 years in public office.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) will have to appoint a temporary successor to fill the open Senate seat in the wake of Feinstein’s death.
