California Governor Gavin Newsom under pressure to quickly name temporary Senate replacement for Feinstein

The death of 90-year-old Senator Dianne Feinstein has put immense pressure on California Governor Gavin Newsom to quickly name a replacement for the trailblazing longtime Democratic senator, according to a report by Fox News1. With more than a year left in Feinstein's Senate term, Newsom will now need to replace her, and the governor's decision is sure to anger some people1. Newsom earlier this year committed to appointing a Black woman if the senator passed, but he recently said that if he needed to name a Senate replacement, he would appoint a caretaker1.

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 Senate2. 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 GOP2. The appointment could also have implications for the 2022 midterm elections, as the appointed senator would have the advantage of incumbency2.

Newsom's decision will attract heavy scrutiny, both on Capitol Hill and in California6. The Democratic governor previously pledged to name a Black woman to the seat should Feinstein leave before the end of her term but, earlier this month, ruled out appointing any of the candidates seeking the office in next year’s election6. The Senate appointment will be the second by Newsom, who was called on to fill Kamala Harris’s seat when she ascended to the vice presidency in 20216.

Key facts:

• The death of 90-year-old Senator Dianne Feinstein has put immense pressure on California Governor Gavin Newsom to quickly name a replacement for the trailblazing longtime Democratic senator, according to a report by Fox News1.
• Newsom earlier this year committed to appointing a Black woman if the senator passed, but he recently said that if he needed to name a Senate replacement, he would appoint a caretaker1.
• 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 Senate2.
• 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 GOP2.
• Newsom's decision will attract heavy scrutiny, both on Capitol Hill and in California6.
• The Senate appointment will be the second by Newsom, who was called on to fill Kamala Harris’s seat when she ascended to the vice presidency in 20216.