Sen. Dianne Feinstein Dies; Gov. Newsom Appoints Successor
October 2, 2023
Last Thursday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the longest serving woman in Senate history, passed away at age 90. Click here to read about her long career in public service and many groundbreaking achievements.
Feinstein had already announced her decision to retire at the end of her current term in 2025, and three major Democratic candidates in the House are vying for her seat:
- Rep. Barbara Lee
- Rep. Katie Porter
- Rep. Adam Schiff
What's next: On Sunday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced he appointed Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY’s List and a close ally of Vice President Kamala Harris, to succeed Feinstein. Once Butler is seated, Democrats will continue to have a narrow majority of 51-49 .
- Butler will be the only Black woman in the Senate. Newsom previously pledged to appoint a Black woman to the seat.
- Some expect the appointed Senator to be a “caretaker” and decline to run for election, given the contest underway. Newsom said he did not put any preconditions the appointment, meaning Butler would be free to run.
- After then-Sen. Kamala Harris became Vice President, Newsom appointed CA Secretary of State Alex Padilla to fill the seat. Padilla ran and won election.
What they’re saying: The vacancy and appointment will not likely have a near term impact on budget negotiations or the balance of power. The Senate has been moving government funding legislation with large bipartisan majorities.
Yes, but: Sen. Robert Menendez's (D-NJ) legal troubles also could create a vacancy. While Menendez has refused to resign, he could face expulsion. Either way, New Jersey’s Democratic governor would likely appoint another Democrat to replace him, but the overhang from a Menendez scandal could make the seat more competitive in an election cycle.
Contact David McCarthy (dmccarthy@crefc.org) with questions.