Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 90, Injured in Home Fall; Hospitalized for Treatment
U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, the oldest member of Congress, experienced a minor fall at her home which prompted a brief hospital visit, her office announced on Wednesday.
The 90-year-old California Democrat, who has been the subject of growing concerns about her health and ability to fulfill her senatorial responsibilities, was taken to a San Francisco hospital after the incident. According to her spokesperson Adam Russell, all scans conducted at the hospital yielded clear results, and she was discharged later the same day.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed that he had spoken with Feinstein and that she had suffered no injuries and went to the hospital as a precaution. He expressed relief that she was back home and doing well.
This recent hospitalization follows a period of missed work earlier in the year when Feinstein was hospitalized for shingles and its subsequent side effects. Since her return to work, she has been using a wheelchair due to mobility challenges and has exhibited signs of confusion.
Despite her difficulties, Feinstein has maintained her ability to fulfill her role as a senator. However, her office acknowledged in May that she still faced vision and balance problems as a result of the shingles virus.
During her previous hospitalization, some progressive House Democrats had publicly called for her resignation, asserting that her absence was hindering the confirmation of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees. However, prominent Democrats, including Biden and Schumer, stood by her.
Feinstein’s potential retirement has triggered a competitive Democratic race to succeed her, with U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee, Katie Porter, and Adam Schiff leading the way. If Feinstein were to resign before the 2024 election, Governor Gavin Newsom would appoint her replacement, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the race. Newsom had previously stated that he would nominate a Black woman if Feinstein, a white woman, stepped down. While Barbara Lee fits this criterion, it remains uncertain if Newsom would choose her since she is already running for the seat. Porter and Schiff are both white.
Feinstein has had a distinguished political career, breaking gender barriers as she progressed from San Francisco’s City Hall to prominent positions in the U.S. Senate. Known for her pragmatic centrist approach, she played pivotal roles in significant political battles involving issues like reproductive rights and environmental protection.
