Dianne Feinstein: Bidding Farewell To An Icon Of The Senate

Over the course of the past 30+ years, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has been a fixture on Capitol Hill. This week, the 90-year-old lawmaker died, leaving behind a legacy of accomplishments and an open seat to be filled on an interim basis by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

A champion for women

Dating back to the ‘70s, when it was far rarer to see prominent women in politics, Feinstein broke the mold by holding positions including the mayor of San Francisco. She made a name for herself by shattering glass ceilings and paving the way for many of the women who came after her.

Then, in 1992, she was elected to represent her state in the Senate and went on to become the chamber’s longest-serving woman.

Although her positions sometimes drew criticism from the left and right, members of both parties have praised her for the professionalism and leadership she brought to D.C.

The president reacts

President Joe Biden, who served alongside Feinstein in the Senate for about 15 years, weighed in on her legacy upon learning of her death on Friday.

From the “enormous poise and courage” she showed in the early days of her political career to the “powerful voice for American values” displayed in Congress, he said: “Dianne made her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties.”

James Sauls, Feinstein’s chief of staff, also issued a statement, noting: “There are few women who can be called senator, chairman, mayor, wife, mom and grandmother. Senator Feinstein was a force of nature who made an incredible impact on our country and her home state.”

The senator had experienced declining health in recent months and was expected to retire at the end of her current term.

Chris Agee September 30th, 2023

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