Dianne Feinstein 1933–2023

 

Dianne Feinstein. J. Scott Applewhite / AP  

 

Dianne Feinstein 1933–2023  

Analysis: Now there will be a battle for Feinstein's Senate seat  

 

Next November, Dianne Feinstein was due to step down as California's senator after 31 years in the post - but her death means the coveted post is now available.  

 

This intensifies the ongoing battle, which is characterized by a series of ethnic, political and generational tensions, Adam Nagourney and Shawn Hubler write in an analytical text for the New York Times. 

 

"It also puts pressure on Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has to find someone to fill her place."  

 

Newsom is limited by some of the promises he has made, writes Aaron Blake for the Washington Post.  

 

One is that he promised to appoint an African-American woman to the post, since there is none in the Senate today.  

 

Another is that he should choose a transition senator, and not one of those already running for the post in the 2024 Senate election. That would exclude the favorite African-American female candidate, Barbara Lee.  

 

"There is no indication that Lee would accept a temporary appointment and end the campaign to meet Newsom's terms (or that he would waive the terms)," writes Blake.  

 

  

Feinstein when she was named mayor of San Francisco in 1979. Sal Veder/AP  

 

Feinstein is celebrated in the US - Biden: "A true pioneer"  

 

After the news of US Senator Dianne Feinstein's death, tributes are pouring in from fellow Democrats.  

 

President Joe Biden calls her a "dear friend" and a "true pioneer", writes CNN.  

 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer became emotional as a minute's silence was called in the chamber, and a black cloth and a vase of white roses were placed on Feinstein's table. 

 

- Today we mourn. "We look at this table and realize what we've been missing," he said, according to NBC News.  

 

Feinstein gave American women "a voice, a platform and a leader" for decades, he added.  

 

A number of lawmakers describe Feinstein, who held office for 31 years — longer than any other woman in the country — as a beacon for American women in politics. 

 

Dianne Feinstein turned 90.