Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein has said she will not run again in 2024.
Feinstein, who represents one of California’s Senate districts, was first elected to the upper house of the US Congress in 1992. Today, she is the oldest lawmaker in the upper house of parliament: she has 89 years old. In recent years, Feinstein has been repeatedly asked to retire and blamed for the deterioration of her memory.
Feinstein said in an official statement that she will not run again in 2024, but intends to make the most of her condition during the remaining time.
“Everything has its time under the sun and I think that time has come,” Feinstein told reporters. She did not name the politician she intends to support in the fight for this seat in the Senate.
Feinstein became the first woman to be elected mayor of San Francisco; the first to head the Senate Judiciary Committee. She also served in the Senate for a record time for a woman.
US President Joe Biden said he knows many senators, “but I can honestly say Dianne Feinstein is one of the best.”
Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters that Feinstein addressed members of the Senate Democratic caucus at the weekly luncheon and was greeted with a standing ovation.
“He’s a legend,” added Schumer. “She was a leader in many areas: the fight against assault weapons, environmental protection, the protection of women’s rights and much more.”
Dianne Feinstein is expected to serve as ceremonial president pro tempore of the Senate this year. This function is generally entrusted to the oldest senator of the majority party.
Several Democratic politicians have already announced their intention to run for the Senate in Feinstein County. Among them are House of Representatives members Cathy Porter and Adam Schiff. The California primary is scheduled for March 5, 2024.
