Who will succeed Dianne Feinstein in the Senate? Governor Newsom will make the selection
Who will succeed Dianne Feinstein in the Senate? Governor Newsom will make the selection
As California’s political community reflects on the passing of Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, there is also a discreet buzz about the future of her now-vacant Senate seat.
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Feinstein had already declared that she would not seek re-election in 2024, setting the stage for a competitive election to determine her successor. However, her passing has now placed the responsibility on Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom to appoint an interim replacement to serve out the remainder of her term. This decision carries significant political implications that Newsom had been hoping to avoid.
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The appointment could potentially disrupt California’s high-stakes Senate primary, where prominent Democratic Representatives Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee were already competing against each other in anticipation of an all-party primary in March. With the looming possibility of a government shutdown, Newsom may feel compelled to make a quick appointment to provide Democrats with an additional vote for passing spending legislation.
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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., had a conversation with Newsom on Friday, according to a spokesperson for Schumer. This communication comes as the Senate awaits Newsom’s decision, which could potentially shift the balance from a 50-49 Democratic majority.
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A source close to Newsom informed NBC News that an announcement regarding Feinstein’s seat’s interim appointment is expected in the coming days.
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Newsom has long expressed his reluctance to choose a replacement for Feinstein, particularly because he had previously appointed Democrat Alex Padilla as the state’s other senator when Kamala Harris vacated her Senate seat to become Vice President in 2020. This decision generated backlash as Harris, the sole Black woman in the Senate, was replaced by Padilla, a Latino man. In response, Newsom pledged to select a Black woman to fill any future vacancies, a commitment seen as a nod to Barbara Lee. However, Newsom made this pledge before Feinstein’s announcement not to seek re-election and before any contenders entered the race.
Recently, Newsom stated on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that he would opt for an “interim appointment” – someone intended only to complete the term and not seek re-election. He indicated that this individual would still be a Black woman. He explained that he did not want to interfere in the primary, which was only months away, to avoid tipping the balance.
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Lee expressed her discontent with Newsom’s decision, issuing a rare public rebuke of her fellow Democrat. She argued that appointing a temporary Black woman to the Senate seat would be mere tokenism and insult Black women who have significantly contributed to the Democratic Party’s victories.
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Newsom’s announcement led to the resignation of two well-known California Democratic operatives who were also his advisers, as they felt compelled to take sides in the dispute.
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Schiff and Porter have maintained a significant lead over Lee in polling and fundraising, making an appointment Lee’s best chance at winning the Senate seat. Supporters of Schiff and Porter argue that it would be unfair for the governor to elevate the candidate polling in third place before voters have a say.
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Newsom has expressed frustration over the constant lobbying for Feinstein’s seat, emphasizing that it has been a dominant topic of discussion. Additionally, under California’s “jungle primary” system, the top two candidates from any party in the March primary will advance to the general election, potentially leading to a November showdown between two Democrats due to the state’s liberal tilt.
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Moreover, Newsom’s appointment could trigger a cascade of political changes in California, as candidates vie for House seats left vacant by Schiff, Porter, and Lee when they pursued Senate bids. Some names floated for the Senate seat include California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, and nonprofit executive Lateefah Simon, who is running for Lee’s House seat.
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Newsom could also consider individuals not currently in elected office, such as former Governors Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger, or former Senator Barbara Boxer. However, these high-profile choices would not fulfill Newsom’s commitment to appoint a Black woman if he decides to adhere to it.
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For now, those close to the governor and the candidates are reluctant to discuss the political ramifications of Feinstein’s passing, emphasizing their focus on honoring her legacy.”
