Senator Dianne Feinstein on Wednesday pushed back on calls for her resignation but asked to step away from the Judiciary Committee indefinitely while recovering from shingles. The announcement came following months of scrutiny and criticism over Feinstein’s handling of the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Feinstein, who has been a member of the Senate since 1992 and is currently its oldest serving member at 87 years old, faced fierce backlash from progressives in her home state of California when she praised Republican Senator Lindsey Graham during Kavanaugh’s hearing last year. Many Democrats saw this as an attempt to appeal to Republicans in order to secure her own re-election bid.
Calls for Feinstein’s resignation intensified after she hugged Graham following his vote in favor of confirming Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court just weeks before the presidential election. Progressives argued that this gesture was inappropriate given the intense partisan divide over Barrett’s nomination.
In response to these criticisms, Feinstein issued a statement on Twitter saying that she would be stepping down as ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, but not resigning from her Senate seat altogether. She cited health reasons, specifically shingles which can cause severe pain and fatigue, as the reason for her decision.
While some have praised Feinstein for acknowledging her limitations and prioritizing her health, others argue that it is time for new leadership within the Democratic Party. Progressive organizations such as Justice Democrats have already begun calling for Senator-elect Alex Padilla or Representative Katie Porter to replace Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee.
Feinstein has been a controversial figure throughout her political career. In addition to facing criticism over her handling of recent confirmation hearings, she has also faced backlash over issues such as drone strikes and surveillance programs under President Obama’s administration.
However, many view Feinstein as a trailblazer in American politics who paved the way for women in public office. She was one of only two female senators when she joined Congress in 1992 and became California’s first female senator.
It remains to be seen how Feinstein’s decision to step down from the Judiciary Committee will impact her future in Congress. Some speculate that she may retire at the end of her current term, while others believe that she will continue to serve as a senator for years to come. Regardless of what happens next, Feinstein’s legacy as a pioneering female politician is sure to endure.