ANAHEIM, Calif. >> The Democrats’ tenuous hold on the U.S. Senate necessitates California Gov. Gavin Newsom to expeditiously select a replacement for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. This decision carries significant weight for the two-term governor, who also has his own national aspirations.
In response to growing concerns about Feinstein’s health, Newsom had pledged to appoint a Black woman in 2021. He had also pledged to avoid choosing from the pool of candidates already campaigning for the position, which will be on next year’s ballot and includes prominent Black woman Rep. Barbara Lee.
Following Feinstein’s death, Newsom faced immediate calls to honor his commitment, with some leaders specifically urging him to appoint Lee. This highlights the delicate situation Newsom finds himself in with a crucial Democratic constituency.
Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, a political advocacy network for women of color, expressed that “there is no clearer choice for this appointment than Rep. Lee.”
Newsom’s political allies and advisers remained largely silent on Friday regarding the governor’s thought process, and Newsom himself avoided any public appearances that would invite questions about his impending decision.
This is not the first time Newsom has been tasked with selecting a U.S. senator, as he previously had to choose a replacement for Kamala Harris when she became vice president. These appointments in late 2020 and early 2021 solidified Newsom’s status as a kingmaker among ambitious Democrats in the state.
However, finding a replacement for Feinstein is a less desirable task, and Newsom has openly stated that he did not want to be in this position.
Newsom has the sole authority to name a successor, which includes the option of appointing himself, although that is unlikely. He could also opt for a special election, but it is expected that he will not take that route. In a statement commemorating Feinstein’s passing, he sidestepped the issue entirely.
“Dianne Feinstein was a powerful, trailblazing U.S. Senator; an early advocate for gun control; and a leader in times of turmoil and tragedy. To me, she was also a dear friend, a lifelong mentor, and a role model not only for me, but also for my wife and daughters, exemplifying what an effective and influential leader looks like,” Newsom remarked.
Feinstein’s death leaves Senate Democrats with no room for error until a successor is appointed, as they currently hold a narrow majority of 50 seats against the Republicans’ 49. Meanwhile, numerous Democrats are urging the indicted Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., to step down. However, Menendez has vowed to remain in office.
While Democrats still maintain control of the Senate, Feinstein’s absence will hinder the progress of President Biden’s judicial nominees in the Judiciary Committee.
For Newsom, any decision he makes poses the risk of alienating key allies at home, including those he would rely on for a future national campaign.
If Newsom follows through on his pledge to avoid selecting from the current Senate primary candidates, he could choose a temporary caretaker who would be replaced by the candidate chosen by voters in next year’s election. Several Black women in office have been proposed as potential options, such as Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell.
However, Lee and others criticized Newsom earlier in the month when he indicated his intent to select a caretaker instead of choosing from the existing slate of candidates.
Lee, who referred to Feinstein as “a champion for our state” and praised her as “the voice of a political revolution for women,” did not comment on the vacant seat.
Some California Democrats remain displeased with Newsom’s previous Senate appointment. He had chosen his personal friend, Alex Padilla, who was California’s secretary of state at the time. This process took over six weeks and resulted in Padilla becoming California’s first Latino senator, but it left the Senate without a Black woman.
Newsom subsequently promised that if Feinstein’s seat were to become vacant, he would select a Black woman to succeed her.
In a recent interview with Los Angeles’ Fox 11 TV, Newsom mentioned that he was inundated with recommendations on how to fill a potential Senate vacancy.
The decision before Newsom is complicated by his personal relationship with the late senator. Newsom, whose father was a prominent San Francisco judge, has known Feinstein since childhood and recently spoke about their close connection. He revealed that Feinstein would call him to discuss various issues, ranging from water policy to forest management.
“I have no objectivity whatsoever,” Newsom admitted during a recent interview with NBC when asked about Feinstein’s decision to remain in the Senate.
He expressed his hope that he would never have to face the decision of filling her seat.
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Reporting by Peoples in New York. AP writers Kathleen Ronayne in Sacramento, California, and Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington contributed.
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