In a recent development, the passing of 90-year-old Senator Dianne Feinstein has put immense pressure on California Governor Gavin Newsom to quickly name a replacement for the trailblazing longtime Democratic senator. This news comes at a critical time as a bitterly divided Congress faces crucial votes to avert a government shutdown this weekend, further adding to the urgency of filling the vacant seat.
Feinstein, who had previously announced that she would not seek re-election in 2024, leaves behind a fragile Democratic Senate majority. With her passing, the balance of power in the Senate becomes even more precarious. Currently, three major Democrats—Reps. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee—are vying to succeed Feinstein.
Governor Newsom, known for his commitment to diversity and representation, had earlier pledged to appoint a Black woman if the senator were to pass away. However, in a recent NBC News interview, Newsom stated that he would opt for an interim appointment instead, in order to avoid influencing the upcoming primary race. This decision has drawn criticism from Barbara Lee’s supporters, who believed she was Newsom’s preferred choice.
Feinstein’s death will also require Newsom to appoint a replacement for the remainder of her Senate term, which has over a year left. The governor’s decision will undoubtedly face scrutiny and may provoke backlash from various factions within the Democratic party.
It is worth noting that Newsom has experience in making such appointments, having previously named Alex Padilla, then-California Secretary of State, to the Senate in early 2021 following Kamala Harris’ departure to assume the vice presidency.
As the nation awaits Governor Newsom’s decision, the implications of this appointment extend beyond California. The delicate balance of power in the Senate, the upcoming government shutdown vote, and the ongoing race for the 2024 presidential campaign all contribute to the significance of this situation.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as we continue to bring you the latest from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content.
