Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who planned to retire when her term ended in 2024, has died at the age of 90, multiple outlets are reporting.
“Dianne Feinstein, right from the start, was an icon for women in politics,” Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said, reacting to the news.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), meanwhile, called her a “legend.”
“She’s a legend. A legend in California as the first woman senator. A legend in the Senate,” he noted. “She was the leader on so many different issues.”
Her last vote was Thursday morning.
Dianne Feinstein voted yesterday.
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) September 29, 2023
She was marked as a "yes" vote on the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. pic.twitter.com/HTKMPukDTz
Tributes poured in on X, formerly Twitter.
Senator Dianne Feinstein was a trailblazer.
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) September 29, 2023
She leaves an indelible mark on the Senate and the country.
Sen Feinstein did an outstanding job representing the ppl of California. I worked closely w her as a member of the drug caucus& judiciary cmte. During the time I was chair& she was ranking Democrat we had a wonderful working relationship She’s a true public servant I’ll miss her
— Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) September 29, 2023
RIP to Dianne Feinstein, lots I disagreed with her on but that woman was not afraid to tell climate change alarmist kids the truth. 🙌🏼pic.twitter.com/Rh9aXt1kMs
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) September 29, 2023
Senator Dianne Feinstein was a trailblazing titan in the U.S. Senate and in our nation’s history. Throughout her storied career, she paved the way for countless women and girls to stand up and make a difference. We’ll always cherish her life and legacy, and we'll miss her dearly.
— Kyrsten Sinema (@SenatorSinema) September 29, 2023
Erin and I were saddened to hear of the death of Senator Dianne Feinstein. It has been an honor to serve with her in the Senate and on the Judiciary Committee. No one was more welcoming when I came to the Senate than she, and no one was a better example. She was tough, incredibly…
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) September 29, 2023
Feinstein's death means California Gov. Gavin Newsom will appoint a successor.
During a recent interview, Newsom said if the opportunity presented itself, he would not choose someone currently running for her seat.
“I don’t want to get involved in the primary,” Newsom said. “It would be completely unfair to the Democrats [who] have worked their tails off. That primary is just a matter of months away. I don’t want to tip the balance of that.”
Editor's Note: This is a breaking news post and will be updated with additional information.