Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein has died at the age of 90. She had represented California in the Senate since 1992 and was the oldest active member of Congress. She was also the longest-serving woman Senator. In February 2023, Feinstein confirmed that she would not run for re-election.
From the office of Senator Dianne Feinstein: pic.twitter.com/rvcAmVk8O0
— Senator Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) September 29, 2023
In recent months, the senator faced several health problems. Earlier this year, Feinstein suffered from shingles. Later, she was diagnosed with encephalitis and Ramsay Hunt syndrome. In August, she suffered a fall at her home in San Francisco.
President Joe Biden issued a statement in remembrance of Feinstein and offered his condolences:
Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend. ... Often the only woman in the room, Dianne was a role model for so many Americans – a job she took seriously by mentoring countless public servants, many of whom now serve in my Administration. She had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors. Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, but she was also a kind and loyal friend, and that’s what Jill and I will miss the most. As we mourn with her daughter Katherine and the Feinstein family, her team in the Senate, and the people of California, we take comfort that Dianne is reunited again with her beloved Richard. May God Bless Dianne Feinstein.
.@POTUS: "Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend."https://t.co/TrRraxpMJz
— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) September 29, 2023
Due to her advanced age and health problems, there were voices within his own party that asked her to resign from her seat. Numerous political representatives have expressed their condolences throughout the day.
Dianne Feinstein was many things — a powerful, trailblazing U.S. Senator; an early voice for gun control; a leader in times of tragedy and chaos. But to me, she was a dear friend, a lifelong mentor, and a role model not only for me, but to my wife and daughters for what a…
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) September 29, 2023
Dianne Feinstein will be rightly remembered as a trailblazer—the first woman to serve as mayor of San Francisco and the first woman elected to the Senate from California. But once she broke those barriers and walked through those doors, she got to work.
I first got to know…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 29, 2023
Sen. Dianne Feinstein was a friend, a hero, a leader who changed the Senate and America for the better
Mourning this tremendous loss—we're comforted in knowing how many mountains she moved, lives she impacted, glass ceilings she shattered
America's a better place because of her pic.twitter.com/gnAo6LrH4u
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) September 29, 2023
Heartbroken to learn of the passing of my dear friend Dianne Feinstein.
Her indomitable, indefatigable leadership made a magnificent difference for our national security and personal safety, the health of our people and our planet, and the strength of our Democracy.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) September 29, 2023
Senator Dianne Feinstein was a champion for Gun Violence Prevention that broke barriers at all levels of government. We wouldn’t have had an assault weapons ban if it wasn’t for Senator Feinstein and due to her tireless work, we will win it back. May her memory be a blessing. https://t.co/4hBdgkYcV6
— Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@MaxwellFrostFL) September 29, 2023
My sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Senator Dianne Feinstein. Her dedication to California and her role as the longest serving female senator paved the way for many. She was a fearless leader and leaves an indelible legacy.
Rest in peace, Senator.
— Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) September 29, 2023
I've said it before: you can’t tell the story of CA—or American politics—without the trailblazing career of Senator Dianne Feinstein.
A champion, an icon, and most importantly, a friend––Dianne will be dearly missed. Angela and I are keeping the Feinstein family in our prayers. pic.twitter.com/NnocvymY5M
— Senator Alex Padilla (@SenAlexPadilla) September 29, 2023
Heartbroken this morning. Dianne Feinstein was a treasured friend to the Wyden family. She was an extraordinary advocate for San Francisco, for California, and for the West.
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) September 29, 2023
Representatives of the Republican Party such as Chuck Grassley and Marco Rubio also wanted to convey their words of affection to Dianne Feinstein.
Sen Feinstein did an outstanding job representing the ppl of California. I worked closely w her as a member of the drug caucus& judiciary cmte. During the time I was chair& she was ranking Democrat we had a wonderful working relationship She’s a true public servant I’ll miss her
— Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) September 29, 2023
Senator Feinstein was a political pioneer with a historic career of public service.
Intelligent, hard working & always treated everyone with courtesy & respect.
May God grant her eternal rest.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) September 29, 2023
Saddened to learn of Senator Feinstein’s passing. A true trailblazer, she leaves behind a lasting legacy of service in the Senate. My prayers are with her family during this time of loss.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) September 29, 2023
Senator Dianne Feinstein was a trailblazer who lived an incredible life dedicated to public service. She was one of the most effective legislators in recent memory because of her willingness to work across the aisle in good faith in order to solve complex problems. It was a honor…
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) September 29, 2023
