![Senator Dianne Feinstein]
Senator Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving female US senator in history and the first woman to represent California in the Senate, died on September 29, 2023 at the age of 90. She was a remarkable woman who made history in many ways, and was known for her work on issues such as gun control, national security, civil rights, and environmental protection.
A pioneer for women in US politics
Feinstein was born on June 22, 1933 in San Francisco, California. She graduated from Stanford University in 1955 with a degree in history and political science. She began her political career in 1969, when she was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. She became the first female president of the board in 1978.
She rose to national prominence in 1978, when she became the mayor of San Francisco after the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. She was the first woman to serve as mayor of a major US city. She was re-elected twice, and served until 1988.
She ran for governor of California in 1990, but lost to Republican Pete Wilson. She then ran for the US Senate in 1992, and won a special election to fill the seat vacated by Wilson. She became the first woman to represent California in the Senate, and the first Jewish female senator. She was re-elected five times, and served until her death.
She was a senior member of several influential committees, including the Judiciary Committee, the Intelligence Committee, and the Appropriations Committee. She was also the chairwoman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence from 2009 to 2015, and the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee from 2017 to 2021.
She was a moderate Democrat who often worked across party lines. She supported abortion rights, gay rights, immigration reform, and gun control. She also supported the Iraq War, the Patriot Act, and the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. She faced criticism from some progressive activists who accused her of being too centrist and out of touch with her constituents.
A legacy of service and leadership
Feinstein was widely respected by her colleagues and constituents for her experience, expertise, and dedication. She was praised by President Joe Biden, who called her “a giant of American politics” and “a friend and mentor to countless women and men who have followed in her footsteps”. He also said that she “fought tirelessly for the people of California and the nation”.
She was also honored by former President Barack Obama, who awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2017. He said that she “has dedicated her life to public service” and “has been a relentless advocate for justice”. He also said that she “has shown us what it means to be a leader”.
She leaves behind a legacy of service and leadership that will be remembered for generations. She is survived by her husband Richard Blum, her daughter Katherine Feinstein Mariano, her three grandchildren, and her stepchildren.
Dianne Feinstein cause of death
The cause of death was not immediately clear, but she had been suffering from various health issues for a long time. She had announced in December 2020 that she would step down as the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee after facing criticism for her handling of Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearings. She had also faced speculation about her cognitive decline after several instances of confusion and forgetfulness.
She will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full honors. A memorial service will be held at the US Capitol on October 5, 2023. Her seat will be filled by Governor Gavin Newsom, who will appoint a successor until a special election is held in November 2024.
