Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Longest-Serving Female Senator, Dies At 90

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California), the longest-serving female senator, has died at age 90. She served as a United States Senator for 31 years.

Feinstein was elected to the Senate from California in 1992, and soon became one of the most powerful forces in the Capitol. She was known as a champion for women’s rights and gun control. The first woman to become mayor of her hometown in San Francisco, she was a key player in many legislative accomplishments, fighting for causes such as gay rights, the protection of natural resources, bans on assault weapons and many more progressive ideas.

Feinstein has faced significant health problems in the last few years. She had already announced she would not run for reelection in 2024. The race for her seat is already underway.

Feinstein’s Chief Of Staff, James Sauls, released in a statement that Feinstein had died on Thursday night at her home in Washington, D.C.

“Her passing is a great loss for so many, from those who loved and cared for her to the people of California that she dedicated her life to serving,” Sauls said. “She left a legacy that is undeniable and extraordinary.”

In a statement, President Joe Biden called Feinstein “a pioneering American and a true trailblazer.”

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“She had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors,” Biden said. “Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, but she was also a kind and loyal friend.”

Feinstein’s health challenges began in 2018 after she won her fifth full term as a senator. She decided to step down as Democrat on the Judiciary Committee and passed on the position of president pro tempore, a position which would have put her on track to be in the line of presidential succession. Feinstein returned to Washington after a three-month-long absence from the Senate this year due to a shingles diagnosis. She continued to vote to advance Biden’s judicial nominees on the Senate floor.

Feinstein received many awards for her years of service, such as the 2019 Center for Justice and Accountability Champion of Justice Award and the 2005 Outstanding Member of the U.S. Senate Award. 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer paid tribute to Feinstein on the floor as he called for a moment of silence and rested a bouquet of roses on her desk.

Dianne’s daughter, Katherine Feinstein, was seated in the gallery with House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi (D-California), arms interlocked, as Senate colleagues paid tribute.

Three California House Democrats are running for the six-year term in 2024. Reps. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee are all running to replace Feinstein.

Feinsteins’ death brings the Senate Deomcrat’s functional majority in the house to 50 votes, in comparison to the 49 republican votes. Feinstein’s replacement will be selected by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-California).