California’s longest-serving senator, Dianne Feinstein, has died at the age of 90. President Joe Biden reacted to the news, calling her a “pioneering American and a true trailblazer.” While reactions continue to pour in, attention is already turning to the implications of her absence.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, is tasked with filling her seat.
After serving five terms as a U.S. senator, it became apparent to her colleagues on Capitol Hill over the last year that her health was declining, leaving her to miss out on votes in the Senate.
Senate Republicans were opposed to Democrats temporarily replacing Feinstein on the Senate Judiciary Committee during that time, but they are now singing a different tune.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the top Republican on the committee said Friday, Sept. 29, that he will do “whatever the rules say” when it comes to replacing Feinstein.
While Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., moves to fill the vacancies Feinstein leaves behind, he also reacted to her passing, speaking from the Senate floor Friday.
“Our nation will be forever thankful to Senator Feinstein for the accomplishments she fought for. I, too, am personally indebted to Dianne, not just as a colleague — which of course I am in so many ways — but as a friend and father of two daughters,” Schumer said. “Dianne’s work extended far beyond the United States Senate floor as she gave a voice, a platform and a leader to women throughout the country for decades.”
Newsom has vowed to appoint a Black woman to the vacant seat and says he will not appoint any of the Democratic candidates already vying to win the seat in the 2024 election, including Democratic Reps. Barbara Lee, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff.
“No, I don’t want to make another appointment,” Newsom explained to Chuck Todd on “Meet the Press.” “And I don’t think the people of California don’t want me to make another appointment because I’ve made plenty of appointments. That said, it’s my job and my responsibility and if we have to do it, we’ll do it.”
There’s no word yet on whom Newsom will appoint to the temporary position.