California Gov, Gavin Newsom is pledging to nominate a Black woman to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein if the 87-year Democrat retires before her term ends in 2024.
"I have multiple names in mind," Newsom told MSNBC’s Joy Reid on Monday.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the governors’ comments came just hours after two of California's most prominent elected Black leaders, Reps. Karen Bass and Barbara Lee, promised to organize Black voters to oppose his recall if it qualifies for the ballot.
And The Hill pointed out that he is facing pressure to nominate a woman of color for the next open senate seat.
He appointed Alex Padilla, D-Calif., to complete the term of Vice President Kamala Harris, who was elected to her Senate post in 2016.
"Through his tenacity, integrity, smarts and grit, California is gaining a tested fighter in their corner who will be a fierce ally in D.C., lifting up our state’s values and making sure we secure the critical resources to emerge stronger from this pandemic," Newsom said in announcing Padilla as his choice.
But the Times noted he had faced criticism among some Democrats for not naming a black woman at the time. It pointed out that Harris was one of two Black women who have served in the U.S. Senate. There are three Black men now serving in the body and no Black women.
The newspaper said Feinstein is the oldest siting senator and rumors have persisted about her possible retirement. But she told the Times back in December that she has not considered stepping down before her term ends in 2024.
And an article posted Dec. 9, 2020 by The New Yorker raised questions about her cognitive abilities.
It said that while some defend her, others describe her as seriously struggling and say it has been evident for several years. They claim her short-term memory has become so poor that she often doesn’t remember she has been briefed on a topic and accuses her staff of failing to do so just after they have.
But in a December interview with the Times, she defended her cognitive abilities.
"We do get things done and we do pass bills," she said. "You do get older, that’s true. But I have been productive."
Meanwhile, Newsom has set up a political committee to raise money to defend his seat in a potential recall election.
Newsom’s fundraising arm could send a powerful message to his possible rivals: Under state rules, Newsom alone is allowed to raise money in unlimited amounts, while other candidates must adhere to contribution limits, according to The Associated Press.
Jeffrey Rodack ✉
Jeffrey Rodack, who has nearly a half century in news as a senior editor and city editor for national and local publications, has covered politics for Newsmax for nearly seven years.
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