Senator Dianne Feinstein is currently experiencing several health problems. Her slow recovery from the shingles infection she suffered earlier in the year was compounded by a diagnosis of encephalitis and Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Accordingly, a congressman from her own party has expressly asked for her resignation while at the same time stating his admiration for her career.
The 89-year-old Feinstein has represented California in the Senate since November 1992 and holds the record for being the longest-serving woman Senator. Due to her age and health problems, she has already announced that she will retire at the end of her current term, which ends in January 2025.
However, the aforementioned health problems have worsened in recent weeks. After being absent for three months due to shingles, the Democrat has suffered two related complications: encephalitis and Ramsay Hunt syndrome. The first condition is an inflammation of the brain, which according to her team, has already been resolved, while the second is when shingles affects the facial nerve near one of the ears, causing partial facial paralysis.
These reasons led Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) to become the first member of Congress to expressly ask for her resignation. "First, let me say I admire her career. She has had an extraordinary career. But it's sad for anyone to see, and it's sad for her own colleagues to see," he said in an interview with MSNBC.
The lawmaker had previously commented on the matter but reiterated them after an article in the New York Times informed of Feinstein's new health problems.
"I'm hopeful that people who are close to her can talk to her and just say, 'Look, end your service with dignity. Step aside, let the governor appoint someone [...] It's sad for anyone to see," added the 46-year-old congressman.
