Dianne Feinstein, a prominent figure in American politics known for her centrist Democratic views and unwavering commitment to liberal causes, has passed away at the age of 90. Elected to the Senate in 1992, Feinstein’s illustrious career was marked by her role as a trailblazer in both local and national politics, and her contributions left an indelible mark on American history.
Feinstein’s death occurred at her Washington, D.C. home on a Thursday night, as confirmed by her office the following Friday. Her passing prompted an outpouring of tributes throughout the day. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, while opening the Senate session, declared the loss of “a giant in the Senate” and acknowledged the numerous glass ceilings she shattered during her career.
President Joe Biden, who served alongside Feinstein for many years in the Senate, referred to her as a “pioneering American,” a “true trailblazer,” and a “cherished friend.” Her demise leaves a vacancy that California Governor Gavin Newsom will fill temporarily, and it is expected that a spirited battle will ensue to succeed her.
Feinstein, the oldest-serving U.S. senator, ardently championed liberal priorities dear to her state, including environmental protection, reproductive rights, and gun control. She was equally recognized as a pragmatic lawmaker who frequently reached across the aisle to collaborate with Republicans and seek common ground.
Her passing followed a period of absence earlier in the year due to a bout of shingles, which left her sidelined for over two months. This hiatus triggered frustration among her more liberal critics and prompted an unsuccessful Democratic attempt to temporarily replace her on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Upon her return to the Senate in May, Feinstein’s health was visibly compromised, and she relied on a wheelchair, participating in votes only sporadically.
On the day of her passing, Feinstein’s Senate desk was draped in black and adorned with a vase of white roses. Tearful tributes flowed from senators, with members of the California House delegation standing in the chamber’s back while former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sat in the gallery alongside Feinstein’s daughter, Katherine.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, among several Republicans, paid homage to the Democratic icon, describing her as a friend and highlighting her role as a trailblazer who had made a lasting impact on California and the nation through her relentless advocacy and dedicated service.
President Biden stated, “Dianne made her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties. Our country will benefit from her legacy for generations.”
Former President Barack Obama recognized her as a “trailblazer,” while former President Bill Clinton praised her as a champion “of civil rights and civil liberties, environmental protection, and strong national security.”
Feinstein’s political journey began in 1969 when she was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. In 1978, she made history as the board’s first female president. The same year, the tragic assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk at City Hall by disgruntled former Supervisor Dan White shook San Francisco. Feinstein’s discovery of Milk’s body was a moment etched in history.
Following Mayor Moscone’s death, Feinstein assumed the role of San Francisco’s first female mayor. Her career subsequently took her to the U.S. Senate, where she became one of California’s first two female senators. Feinstein also became the first woman to lead the Senate Intelligence Committee and the first woman to serve as the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee.
Although not always embraced by the feminist movement, Feinstein’s experiences shaped her perspective over her five decades in politics. She voiced her commitment to women’s rights and her approach to problem-solving through legislation and bipartisanship.
Feinstein’s bipartisan efforts yielded significant legislative victories throughout her career. However, as her state grew increasingly liberal and political polarization deepened, her pragmatic approach faced challenges.
Known for her sharp debating skills and quick-witted responses, Feinstein’s later years in the Senate saw a decline in her health, resulting in occasional confusion during public appearances. In February 2023, she announced she would not seek a sixth term the following year. Shortly after this announcement, she was absent from the Senate for over two months due to shingles.
Amid concerns about her health, Feinstein stepped down as the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee after the 2020 elections, just as her party was poised to take the majority. In 2023, she also declined the role of Senate president pro tempore, despite being in line for the position. The president pro tempore holds ceremonial duties, including opening the Senate each day.
One of Feinstein’s significant legislative accomplishments early in her career was the Senate’s approval of her amendment to ban certain types of assault weapons as part of a 1994 crime bill signed by President Bill Clinton. Although the assault weapons ban expired a decade later without renewal, it remained a poignant victory, given Feinstein’s personal connection to gun violence, particularly her discovery of Harvey Milk’s body.
Feinstein’s commitment to stricter gun control measures remained unwavering, even in the face of opposition from Republicans and others who challenged her expertise on the subject. Her impassioned response to these challenges demonstrated her deep understanding of the consequences of gun violence.
Feinstein’s political rise continued when she became mayor of San Francisco following the 1978 assassinations. Her calming influence during a turbulent period in the city’s history earned her the respect of even her critics, leading to her reelection for two four-year terms.
Her growing recognition and success in California paved the way for her eventual entry into national politics. In 1984, she was considered a potential vice presidential candidate for Walter Mondale but faced scrutiny regarding her husband Richard Blum’s business dealings. In 1990, she secured the Democratic nomination for California governor, making her the first female major-party gubernatorial nominee in the state’s history. Despite narrowly losing the general election to Republican Pete Wilson, Feinstein’s path to the U.S. Senate was paved when she filled the Senate seat vacated by Wilson to run for governor.
Feinstein embarked on her Senate career alongside Barbara Boxer, both of whom won their respective Senate seats, making history as California’s first female U.S. senators. Their campaign capitalized on the historic backdrop of the Supreme Court hearings in which an all-male Senate Judiciary Committee questioned Anita Hill about her sexual harassment allegations against Clarence Thomas.
Feinstein’s appointment to the Judiciary Committee and eventual leadership of the Senate Intelligence Committee in 2009 marked another milestone. As the committee’s first female leader, she played a crucial role in overseeing U.S. intelligence matters, including significant events such as the killing of Osama bin Laden and leaks related to National Security Agency surveillance.
Under Feinstein’s guidance, the Senate Intelligence Committee conducted a comprehensive five-year investigation into CIA interrogation techniques during the George W. Bush administration. The resulting 6,300-page “torture report” concluded that waterboarding and other “enhanced interrogation techniques” failed to provide critical evidence in the hunt for bin Laden. While a 525-page executive summary was released in 2014, the full report remained classified.
The Senate’s investigation during that period was marked by intrigue, with documents mysteriously disappearing and accusations flying between the Senate and the CIA. The story was later adapted into the 2019 film “The Report,” with Annette Bening earning a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Feinstein.
