The Difficult Question Facing California Governor Newsom: Succession Plans for Senator Feinstein

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The deteriorating health of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein poses a complex political dilemma for California Governor Gavin Newsom: who would he appoint to fill her seat if it becomes vacant? Feinstein, who will turn 90 next month and holds the title of oldest sitting member of Congress, has not signaled any intention to relinquish her role. Her visibly weakened state, occasional disoriented exchanges with the press in Washington D.C., and the series of health issues disclosed by her office are intensifying debates over her capability to effectively serve.

In the event that the senator’s seat opens up, a plethora of potential replacements has been discussed, ranging from lesser-known figures to high-profile names like Oprah Winfrey. The situation is further complicated for Newsom, who has been cited as a potential future presidential candidate, due to a 2021 commitment he made to appoint a Black woman should Feinstein’s seat become available. Concurrently, a campaign for the 2024 Senate elections is already in progress to fill the seat when Feinstein’s current term expires in January 2025.

This circumstance creates an unfortunate, public conclusion to the trailblazing career of Feinstein, a Democratic leader who broke through gender barriers both in California and the national political landscape.

What Is Currently Known About Feinstein’s Health?

Details about Feinstein’s health remain largely elusive. She returned to the Senate approximately 10 weeks after receiving a shingles diagnosis and a brief hospital stay in San Francisco. Upon her return, noticeable changes in her physical appearance included significant weight loss and facial asymmetry, likely due to Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a condition resulting from the shingles virus affecting a facial nerve near the ears, potentially causing hearing loss.

In line with medical recommendations, Feinstein has scaled back her work commitments due to ongoing virus-related symptoms like issues with vision and balance. She has also been relying on a wheelchair for mobility within her office and during committee meetings.

Questions surrounding Feinstein’s cognitive function have surfaced in recent years, although she has defended her performance. Since her return to the Senate, instances of apparent confusion during interactions with journalists have been noted. Moreover, her office revealed that she had suffered from encephalitis, a brain inflammation which can also be triggered by shingles.

Newsom’s Commitment to Appointing a Black Woman

When Senator Kamala Harris vacated her seat to assume the vice-presidential role, Governor Newsom was under pressure to make a suitable replacement. Although some advocated for the appointment of another Black woman, he ultimately selected then-Secretary of State Alex Padilla. Nonetheless, Newsom later pledged to appoint a Black woman to Feinstein’s seat if it were to become vacant. Democratic strategists and legislators expect him to uphold this promise, citing its critical role in any future presidential aspirations he may have.

Decision Time for Newsom: Caretaker or Contender?

Newsom, authorized to appoint Feinstein’s successor, faces a multitude of risks in his choices. He could potentially become embroiled in the 2024 Senate campaign by selecting one of the declared candidates to replace Feinstein. Alternatively, he could appoint a temporary placeholder, leaving the ultimate decision to the voters in the upcoming election. High-profile names like Oprah Winfrey have been cited as potential caretakers who also meet Newsom’s criteria for appointment.

Among declared Senate candidates, U.S. Representative Barbara Lee, a Black woman, is competing against fellow Democratic Representatives Katie Porter and Adam Schiff, who are both white. Lee is considered by many as the most qualified African American woman to fill the potential vacancy.

In recent discussions with the media, Newsom revealed that he is grappling with numerous recommendations regarding the potential Senate vacancy. Despite the mounting criticism that voters, not the governor, should be responsible for electing their representatives, Newsom hinted that he may lean towards appointing a caretaker for the seat, if the need arises.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about California Senate Succession

More about California Senate Succession

• Feinstein’s Health Update
• Newsom’s 2021 Promise on Senate Appointment
• Current Status of 2024 Senate Campaign in California
• Political Implications of Senate Appointments for Governor Newsom
• Overview of Potential Candidates for Feinstein’s Seat
• Historical Trends in Democratic Presidential Nominations
• Dianne Feinstein’s Career and Legacy
• Legislative Black Caucus in Sacramento’s Position on Senate Appointment