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Dianne Feinstein, California’s senior Democratic senator and a pioneer of women in American politics, has died at the age of 90.
Feinstein’s health deteriorated significantly before her death, causing concern among Democrats on Capitol Hill and adding to a debate in Washington over the age of many prominent American politicians.
Feinstein’s death will bring the number of pro-Democratic senators in Congress’ upper chamber to 50 before a successor takes her seat, shrinking the party’s governing majority to just one senator.
A spokesperson for Feinstein did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Considered a trailblazer in the Democratic Party and California politics, Feinstein served three terms as mayor of San Francisco before being elected to the U.S. Senate in a 1992 special election. During her more than three decades in the Senate, she held several senior positions, including chairing the powerful Senate Intelligence Committee.
But Feinstein’s later years were marred by troubling questions about her mental and physical health for high office. Earlier this year, Feinstein missed the Senate for several months due to shingles.
The California senator has said she does not plan to seek re-election to a six-year term, sparking a tight race for the 2024 seat. Several prominent Democrats have launched campaigns, including Reps. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee. A primary election held by the party to nominate for the position.
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom now needs to appoint Feinstein’s successor to serve out the remainder of his term.
Feinstein is a close friend of President Joe Biden, who was a longtime senator before becoming vice president. The White House had no immediate comment on her death Friday.
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