California Governor faces tricky task of appointing replacement for late Senator Dianne Feinstein

The death of Senator Dianne Feinstein on Thursday night has left California Governor Gavin Newsom with the task of appointing a replacement to serve the remaining 15 months of her term, a choice he hoped never to have to make, according to a report by the New York Post1. Newsom initially promised in 2021 to pick a black woman to replace Feinstein if she was unable to remain in the Senate through January 20251. That was in response to the outcry from some quarters after he appointed then-California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to replace Senator Kamala Harris after her election as vice president1.

The appointment of a replacement for Feinstein is a tricky task for Newsom, as he faces pressure from various groups to choose a candidate who represents their interests1. Some groups are calling for a black woman to be appointed, while others are pushing for a Latino or Asian candidate1. Newsom's office has not yet commented on who he is considering for the position1.

The appointment of a replacement for Feinstein is a high-stakes decision, as it could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate1. The Democrats currently hold a slim majority in the Senate, and the appointment of a Republican to Feinstein's seat could shift the balance of power in favor of the GOP1. The appointment could also have implications for the 2022 midterm elections, as the appointed senator would have the advantage of incumbency1.

Key facts:

• The death of Senator Dianne Feinstein on Thursday night has left California Governor Gavin Newsom with the task of appointing a replacement to serve the remaining 15 months of her term, a choice he hoped never to have to make, according to a report by the New York Post1.
• Newsom initially promised in 2021 to pick a black woman to replace Feinstein if she was unable to remain in the Senate through January 20251.
• The appointment of a replacement for Feinstein is a tricky task for Newsom, as he faces pressure from various groups to choose a candidate who represents their interests1.
• The appointment of a replacement for Feinstein is a high-stakes decision, as it could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate1.
• The Democrats currently hold a slim majority in the Senate, and the appointment of a Republican to Feinstein's seat could shift the balance of power in favor of the GOP1.