Newsom Faces Tough Decision in Filling Feinstein's Senate Seat

The Golden State's governor, Gavin Newsom, is facing a crucial choice in appointing a successor to fill the vacant seat of Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

With the 2024 election looming, the decision carries significant implications for California, a stronghold of Democratic policies.

Newsom, under pressure to act swiftly as a government shutdown looms, previously pledged to appoint a Black woman.

However, he received criticism after appointing Alex Padilla to replace Kamala Harris, leaving no Black women in the Senate.

The NAACP has reminded Newsom of his promise in a letter signed by its president and a representative of the California-Hawaii conference.

Three high-profile Democrats, Katie Porter, Barbara Lee, and Adam Schiff, have expressed interest in the seat, but it remains to be seen if Newsom will change course on his previous stance of not considering them.

One potential replacement is Shirley Weber, a Black woman and the current California Secretary of State.

Newsom paid tribute to Feinstein but did not mention any potential successors in his statement.

Polls indicate that Schiff is the leading candidate in the primary, followed by Porter and Lee.

A majority of California voters want Newsom to appoint someone for a full term rather than an interim appointment.

The upcoming primary will determine the top two candidates for the General Election.