Democratic California Sen. Dianne Feinstein dismissed questions from reporters about Gov. Gavin Newsom already discussing her possible replacement, saying she will serve her full term.
Feinstein, 87, was responding to Newsom’s comments from a Monday interview with MSNBC where he said he has “multiple names in mind” to replace Feinstein if she does not finish her term. Feinstein said she thought it was pretty obvious that she would be finishing her term, which ends in 2025, The Hill reported.
“Please, we’re very good friends. I don’t think he meant that the way some people thought,” Feinstein told reporters. “I mean you’re making a mountain out of a molehill,” she continued.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference after he toured the newly reopened Ruby Bridges Elementary School on March 16, 2021 in Alameda, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Feinstein was asked if she would indeed finish the term to which she said: “Absolutely. “I think that’s pretty obvious.” (RELATED: Dianne Feinstein Will Step Down As Top Democrat On Senate Judiciary Committee)
Feinstein stepped down as the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee in Nov. 2020. A number of Democratic senators reportedly criticized Feinstein, saying she was not the right person to serve as the top Democrat for the Supreme Court nomination hearings of now-Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also said he had a “long and serious” talk with Feinstein after the hearings. (RELATED: Schumer Says He Had ‘Long And Serious Talk’ With Feinstein After She Embraced GOP Sen. Graham At Barrett Hearings)
Feinstein, the oldest sitting senator, would be over 90 years old if she finishes her term.