President Joe Biden and other political leaders in the country have given their respects and tribute to U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died at the age of 90.
The longest-serving woman senator in U.S. history and San Francisco’s first female mayor passed away at her home in Washington, D.C., her office confirmed Friday morning.
Biden called Feinstein “a true trailblazer and a cherished friend.”
“In San Francisco, she showed enormous poise and courage in the wake of tragedy, and became a powerful voice for American values. Serving in the Senate together for more than 15 years, I had a front row seat to what Dianne was able to accomplish,” the president said in a statement.
“Often the only woman in the room, Dianne was a role model for so many Americans — a job she took seriously by mentoring countless public servants, many of whom now serve in my Administration. She had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors. Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, but she was also a kind and loyal friend, and that’s what (First Lady) Jill and I will miss the most,” Biden said.
For California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Feinstein was a “leader in times of tragedy and chaos.”
“But to me, she was a dear friend, a lifelong mentor, and a role model not only for me, but to my wife and daughters for what a powerful, effective leader looks like,” Newsom said. “Every race she won, she made history, but her story wasn’t just about being the first woman in a particular political office, it was what she did for California, and for America, with that power once she earned it.”
Here are other reactions to Feinstein’s death:
- Former U.S. Sen. and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Dianne Feinstein. She blazed trails for women in politics and found a life’s calling in public service. I’ll miss her greatly as a friend and colleague and send my condolences to all who loved her.”
- U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, D-California: “Dianne Feinstein was a towering figure not just in modern California politics, but in the history of our state and our nation … She leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and a deep love for our country and our democratic ideals.”
- San Francisco Mayor London Breed: “My sympathies and prayers go out to her entire family and all San Franciscans who loved and admired her. Her dedication to public service was only exceeded by her love for San Francisco, and this City loved her back. Her legacy as one of San Francisco’s true leaders will be admired for generations to come. Simply put, there will never be another Dianne Feinstein.”
- U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael: “Dianne Feinstein leaves a profound and enduring legacy on so many big issues, from gun safety to reproductive choice, to human rights, to Lake Tahoe and the California Desert. Her contributions to California and the nation are unmatched, and I’m honored that I had a chance to serve and work with her.”
- State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco: “Dianne Feinstein was a true giant. She helped save our city, becoming Mayor after horrific political assassinations & leading us during the worst of the HIV/AIDS health disaster. As our Senator she led on gun safety & so many issues. There will never be another Dianne Feinstein.”
- U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York: “Dianne Feinstein was a force to be reckoned with. She was one of the most powerful voices in the Senate, and she blazed a trail for generations of women who followed her into elected office. I was so grateful to have her as my role model, my mentor, and a dear friend.”
- U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut: “From 1994, when she passed the Assault Weapons Ban as a first term Senator, until the tragedy in Newtown, Dianne Feinstein was a lonely voice fighting against gun violence. The modern anti-gun violence movement, now stronger than the gun lobby, would not exist but for Dianne.”
… she showed enormous poise and courage in the wake of tragedy, and became a powerful voice for American. Pres. Joe Biden
- U.S. Sen. Katie Boyd Britt, R-Alabama: “Dianne Feinstein lived a life of service, blazing a path for women in the Senate and girls across our nation. In the face of tragedy and tribulations throughout her career, she was fearless. Our prayers are with her loved ones.”
- U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Georgia: “With persistence, grit and grace, Senator Dianne Feinstein broke barriers, shattered glass ceilings and moved our nation closer to its ideals. As a new senator, I was blessed by her kindness and inspired by her example.”
- U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina: “Senator Dianne Feinstein was a trailblazer who lived an incredible life dedicated to public service. She was one of the most effective legislators in recent memory because of her willingness to work across the aisle in good faith in order to solve complex problems. It was a honor to serve with her.”
- Democratic National Committee chairperson Jaime Harrison: “I’m absolutely heartbroken to hear of the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein. She was a force for good and a titan of American politics. My deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and constituents. She will be missed.”
- Actor and activist George Takei: “She was a trailblazer and a leading advocate for an assault weapons ban. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing.”
- Former First Lady of California Maria Shriver: “Dianne Feinstein served her country and the Golden State with strength, passion, and purpose. She made a tremendous difference, not just to those she represented, but to concerned citizens throughout this country and was a trailblazer for women. Her life was a life well lived.”
Due to her death, Newsom is expected to appoint her replacement to the Senate. Feinstein said in February that she would not run for re-election. U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, Rep. Katie Porter, D-Irvine, and Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, are among the candidates running in 2024 for the seat.