Gov. Newsom to Pick Senate Replacement for Dianne Feinstein<br />Newsom's Dilemma]<br />As California mourns the death of Senator Dianne Feinstein, Governor Gavin Newsom faces a politically fraught decision.<br />He must appoint a replacement to serve out the remainder of Feinstein's term.<br />This appointment could upend California's Senate primary, which features high-profile Democratic candidates like Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee.<br />With a government shutdown looming, Newsom may feel pressure to name a replacement quickly to give Democrats an additional vote for passing spending legislation.<br />Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has already spoken with Newsom about the appointment.<br />A source close to Newsom says he will announce an interim appointment for Feinstein's seat in the coming days.<br />Newsom has previously pledged to select a Black woman to fill any future vacancies.<br />However, he clarified that the interim appointment would not seek election to another full term.<br />This decision has drawn criticism from Barbara Lee, who called it mere tokenism.<br />Lee argues that a temporary appointment of a Black woman would not adequately represent the perspective of Black women in the Senate.<br />Despite the controversy, Newsom's appointment could be Lee's best shot at winning the Senate seat, as Schiff and Porter are currently ahead in polling and fundraising.<br />Regardless of whom Newsom appoints, California's "jungle primary" system means that the two leading candidates of any party in the March primary will advance to the general election.<br />This means that two Democrats may face off in November, given the state's liberal lean.<br />Additionally, Newsom's appointment could trigger a new round of political musical chairs in California, as candidates compete for the House seats left behind by Schiff, Porter, and Lee.<br />While the political fallout of Feinstein's death remains uncertain, for now, the focus is on honoring her legacy.<br />Governor Newsom expressed his deep sadness and condolences to Feinstein's family, highlighting her strength, gravitas, and fierceness.<br /><br /><br />#latestnews #news #cnn
