Health issues prevented 89-year-old Dianne Feinstein to run for reelection in 2024, and she resigned before her Senate term ended, which means California Gov. Gavin Newsom has some responsibilities to fill her position with someone eligible, and many expect his choice to be a Black woman.
Back in 2021 when asked on MSNBC if he would nominate a Black woman for Feinstein’s seat, Newsom said, “The answer is yes.”
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Understandably, there is high anticipation among California Democrats, and much speculation from the Black community.
One Democrat, Vilma Dawson, who has supported Newsom through various elections, expects him to fulfill his promise of appointing an African American female to the Senate seat.
She believes Newsom’s political ambitions extend beyond the governorship, and she emphasizes the importance of trust and keeping promises made to voters.
When asked, this was her response. “I’m sure Governor Newsom has a plan to appoint an African American female…“I don’t think the governorship is where he’s going to stop his political career. People have long memories as to whether they can trust someone to support, shall we say, promises that they made.”
The absence of Black women representation in the current Senate is a pressing issue and Democratic Black women activists and strategists, such as Kimberly Ellis, are actively lobbying Newsom to selcet the right candidate to lead at this pivotal time.
Among the contenders for the Senate seat are Rep. Barbara Lee, Reps. Adam Schiff and Rep. Katie Porter.
It remains to be seen who Governor Newsom will decide on.
Now retired Dianne Feinstein has built a reputation as an independent voice, working with both Democrats and Republicans to find common-sense solutions to the problems facing California and the Nation.
Since her election to the Senate in 1992, Senator Feinstein has worked in a bipartisan way to build a significant record of legislative accomplishments helping strengthen the nation’s security both here and abroad, combat crime and violence, battle cancer, and protect natural resources in California and across the country.
