A stalwart figure in the history of American politics, former mayor of San Francisco Dianne Goldman Berman Feinstein passed away in the late hours on Thursday, her office confirmed in a statement.
Feinstein, served over 50 years in public office. She was the oldest member of the Senate and also the longest serving female senator and the longest serving senator from California. Feinstein passed in her Washington D.C. home, the cause of the death was unconfirmed.
In February, Feinstein announced her intention to retire from congress at the end of next year amidst the increasing scrutiny around her fitness to serve.
Earlier this year, she was hospitalized and returned to the Senate in May after a nearly three month absence raising concerns around her health. The five-term senator had said she would not run for reelection in 2024 hoping to accomplish as much for California as she could, till the end of her term.
Having first been elected to the Senate in 1992, Feinstein leaves the seat expected to be filled by Governor Gavin Newsom of California soon, with an interim appointment. Even before Feinstein’s death, three high profile Democratic members of Congress had joined the race to succeed her: a member of the congressional committee Adam B. Schiff, representative Katie Porter and congress member Barbara Lee. Earlier this month, Newsom said in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he would not appoint any of them to the seat.
The office of Governor released a statement today ordering state flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Senator Feinstein. Newsom posted a tribute on X, formerly Twitter, calling her “a leader in times of tragedy and chaos.” He also said, “...she was a dear friend, a lifelong mentor, and a role model not only for me, but to my wife and daughters for what a powerful, effective leader looks like.”
President Biden, who called Feinstein “a cherished friend” ordered flags to be lowered at the White House in a proclamation.
Feinstein’s Senate colleagues paid tribute Friday on the Senate floor, where her seat was covered by a black cloth.
As California is joined by the nation in mourning a trailblazer’s passing, the question of Feinstein’s replacement still looms unanswered.