Gavin Newsom will only appoint ‘interim’ Feinstein replacement if necessary
Dianne Feinstein, the California Senator who served in Congress for over three decades, died on Thursday evening at 90 years old, her office confirmed in a statement.
First elected to the US Senate in 1992, Feinstein was a trailblazer for women becoming the first woman mayor of San Francisco and then going on to be one of the first women to represent California in Congress.
Feinstein was the longest-serving woman in the Senate.
Celebrities, politicians and more paid tribute to Feinstein on social media following news of her passing.
Former Speaker of the House and California rep Nancy Pelosi fondly reflected on Feinstein’s life in a statement, saying they were “not only colleagues, but neighbours and friends.”
“Her indomitable, indefatigable leadership made a magnificent difference for our national security and personal safety, the health of our people and our planet, and the strength of our Democracy,” Ms Pelosi said.
Hillary Clinton said Feinstein “blazed trails for women in politics and found a life’s calling in public service.”
In recent years, Feinstein’s health had deteriorated leading to some questions about her ability to serve in government, however, she refused to step down.
