Feinstein Asks to Be Temporarily Replaced on Senate Judiciary Committee Amid Calls for Resignation

Senator Dianne Feinstein, a 30-year veteran of Congress from California, has requested to be temporarily replaced on the Senate Judiciary Committee as she recovers from shingles. However, she has not acceded to calls for her resignation by some members of her own party.

Feinstein, now 89 years old, was diagnosed in February and has been absent from the Senate since then. She acknowledged that her absence has caused difficulties for the work of the committee, which she previously chaired, and said that she had made a request to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to substitute her position.

Feinstein said, “When I was first diagnosed with shingles, I expected to return by the end of the March work period. Unfortunately, my return to Washington has been delayed due to continued complications related to my diagnosis. However, I remain committed to my role as a senator and continue to work from home.”

Nevertheless, some members of her own party have called for her resignation, such as Rep. Ro Khanna of California, who is a co-chair of Rep. Barbara Lee’s campaign to replace Feinstein in the Senate. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota also expressed his agreement with Khanna.

Feinstein had previously announced that she will not seek reelection in 2024.