Democrats are lining up to run for Sen. Diane Feinstein’s seat as the longtime Senator has been mum on her future in Washington D.C.
Feinstein, who is 89 years old and will be 91 when her term expires in two years, has served in the Senate since 1992 and is widely expected to announce her retirement in the coming months.
The big picture: Tuesday, Rep. Katie Porter (D–Irvine) made it official and announced her candidacy for Feinstein’s seat. The progressive Democrat is in her third term in Congress and is the first candidate to officially enter the race.
- Politico reported that fellow Democratic Congressional representative Barbara Lee informed members of the Congressional Black Caucus during a lunch Wednesday of her intent to run, but remained less committal to press.
What to look for: Subsequent announcements from Reps. Adam Schiff (D–Pasadena) and Ro Khanna (D–Fremont).
What they’re saying: Feinstein took aim at the timing of Porter’s announcement as California is dealing with severe storms.
- “Everyone is of course welcome to throw their hat in the ring, and I will make an announcement concerning my plans for 2024 at the appropriate time,” Feinstein said. “Right now I’m focused on ensuring California has all the resources it needs to cope with the devastating storms slamming the state and leaving more than a dozen dead.”
- “California needs a warrior in the Senate – to stand up to special interests, fight the dangerous imbalance in our economy, and hold so-called leaders like Mitch McConnell accountable for rigging our democracy,” Porter said on Twitter.
