Dianne Feinstein death - latest: Tributes pour in for California senator

For over 30 years, Feinstein served in Senate representing the state of California

Gavin Newsom will only appoint ‘interim’ Feinstein replacement if necessary

Dianne Feinstein, the California Senator who served in Congress for over three decades, died on Thursday evening at 90 years old, her office confirmed in a statement.

First elected to the US Senate in 1992, Feinstein was a trailblazer for women becoming the first woman mayor of San Francisco and then going on to be one of the first women to represent California in Congress.

Feinstein was the longest-serving woman in the Senate.

Celebrities, politicians and more paid tribute to Feinstein on social media following news of her passing.

Former Speaker of the House and California rep Nancy Pelosi fondly reflected on Feinstein’s life in a statement, saying they were “not only colleagues, but neighbours and friends.”

“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,” Ms Pelosi said.

Hillary Clinton said Feinstein “blazed trails for women in politics and found a life’s calling in public service.”

In recent years, Feinstein’s health had deteriorated leading to some questions about her ability to serve in government, however, she refused to step down.

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[30 September 2023 12:00 · Ariana Baio]

Bill Clinton remembers working closely with Dianne Feinstein

Former president Bill Clinton issued a statement on X/Twitter, remembering his time working closely with Dianne Feinstein.

“Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Senator Dianne Feinstein, a pioneering public servant who worked tirelessly on behalf of California and all of America throughout her long career.

As Mayor of San Francisco, she helped heal the wounds left by the assassination of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone, overcame the darkest days of the HIV/AIDS crisis, and saved the iconic cable car system.

After her election to the Senate in 1992, she established herself as one of the chamber’s most effective champions of civil rights and civil liberties, environmental protection, and strong national security.

She was a fearless fighter who never backed down from what she believed in, but knew that principled compromise is often necessary to get things done for the good of the country and her constituents.

I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to work closely with her, particularly to pass the Assault Weapons Ban, which she authored, and on environmental preservation, including the cleanup of Lake Tahoe. And Hillary was proud to serve alongside her in the Senate.

Dianne’s legacy will endure with all the people living better, safer, healthier lives because of her and in everyone who was inspired by her trailblazing life and career. Our thoughts and prayers are with Katherine, Eileen and the people who loved her”

[30 September 2023 13:00 · Ariana Baio]

Amy Klobuchar recalls Dianne Feinstein ‘quizzing’ her on bills

Senator Amy Klobuchar recalled fond memories of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein quizzing her on bills to teach her the importance of being well-informed.

“One of my fondest memories is staying overnight at her house in San Francisco after a political event, she invited me to stay there,” Ms Klobuchar told CNN.

“At 7.30 in the morning, (she) summoned me. She was sitting up in bed with these fuzzy slippers on reading the entire draft Patent Reform Act.”

She said Feinstein quizzed her on various parts of the bill, teaching her the importance of knowing the details.

“She got ahead because of true grit and her fierceness. She was not one to be that emotional all the time, I’ll be honest. She was one to base her decisions on facts and one to actually lead by example, and that’s what she did for so many women,” Ms Klobuchar told CNN.

[30 September 2023 14:00 · Ariana Baio]

Read the tributes to Dianne Feinstein

Tributes to Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving female senator in US history, poured in after the 90-year-old died on Thursday night.

Feinstein passed away after a series of health battles — and a three-decade-long career in the Senate. Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle commended the California Democrat’s legacy and life-long commitment to public service.

Kelly Rissman reports: