Democratic California Sen. Dianne Feinstein was briefly hospitalized Tuesday after tripping and falling at her home in San Francisco, her office confirmed.
“Senator Feinstein briefly went to the hospital yesterday afternoon as a precaution after a minor fall in her home. All of her scans were clear and she returned home,” a spokesperson said in a statement. The senator’s fall was first reported by TMZ. (RELATED: Mitch McConnell Hospitalized After Fall In DC Hotel)
Per @SenFeinstein team:
“Senator Feinstein briefly went to the hospital yesterday afternoon as a precaution after a minor fall in her home. All of her scans were clear and she returned home.”
— Daniella Diaz (@DaniellaMicaela) August 9, 2023
The oldest sitting U.S. senator, Feinstein has already announced that she will not run for reelection in 2024. Several news outlets have reported that she suffers from short-term memory loss, and she has repeatedly struggled to perform her duties in committee hearings. Feinstein’s daughter Katherine currently holds her power of attorney.
Feinstein was hospitalized in March after contracting shingles. She developed encephalitis and Ramsay Hunt syndrome while sick, and she now uses a wheelchair. Feinstein was away from the Senate for more than two months, and several Democratic representatives called on her to resign her seat. Feinstein sits on the Judiciary Committee, and Democrats need her to attend hearings to vote on nominees.
Twelve Democrats have declared for Feinstein’s seat, which she has held since 1992. Gov. Gavin Newsom previously pledged to appoint a black woman to Feinstein’s seat if she would be unable to finish her term. The favorite would be Rep. Barbara Lee, who is currently polling in third place in the state’s open primary, behind Reps. Adam Schiff and Katie Porter.