California Sen. Feinstein Passes Away at Age 90; Politicians React

Longtime California Senator Dianne Feinstein (D) has passed away at the age of 90. Considered a trailblazer for breaking gender barriers in Congress, politicians in Texas and around the country reacted to the news of Feinstein's death.

“Dianne Feinstein was a giant of American politics - an early and outspoken voice for marriage equality and gun safety, a powerful voice against torture, and a trailblazer for women in government. Rest in peace, senator,” said Texas Representative Joaquin Castro (D).

In 1978, Sen. Feinstein was elected as the mayor of San Francisco. She would go on to run for Senate where she would serve from 1992 to 2023.

“Today, we remember and honor the legacy of Senator Dianne Feinstein. She was a trailblazer for women everywhere and we will remember her service fondly. We send prayers to the Feinstein family in this difficult time,” said Rep. Garcia.

“A trailblazer who broke barriers for women in government, Sen. Feinstein leaves behind an enormous, unmatched legacy. Thinking of her family, friends, and constituents on this sad day,” said Texas Representative Veronica Escobar (D).

Texas Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D) honored the senator by reminding readers of her influence in the Senate.

“Senator Diane Feinstein was an exemplary public servant, trailblazer, & giant in American politics. As the longest serving woman in the Senate, she will leave a lasting legacy on our country. My thoughts are with her family & loved ones.”

Texas Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D) expressed her admiration for Feinstein as a fellow woman in Congress. In her statements, she highlighted the various measures that Feinstein enacted while in office.

“Senator Dianne Feinstein is an American shero and a shero of mine. As she rose to prominence after one horrible act violence in San Francisco, the killing of two public servants in the midst of hatred; she was able to bring San Francisco together and lead the city with bravery.”

“In the United States Senate, every woman looked up to her mighty stature and her unwavering leadership on the rights of women, banning assault weapons, standing up against torture, and clearly making the fight for women’s equality.”

“Her enormous tenure in the Senate was one of passion, brilliance, service, and patriotism — she was not afraid of standing up for causes that no one else would champion.”

“I was humbled as a new member of congress and in my ongoing service to stand by her and be welcomed in many of the fights we were able to take on together. Her life and service must be honored!”

“My deepest sympathies to her family and the people of California; may she rest in peace and may she rest in power.”

In other news, as some politicians try to prevent a nationwide government shutdown, Texas Representative Joaquin Castro (D) joined around 100 House members in a letter calling for Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R) to get a bipartisan agreement done to avoid a shutdown.