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Gavin Newsom’s DiFi Pickle

The California governor is in a tough spot as the person empowered to fill Feinstein’s seat if she retires. There are three crucial voting blocs he could upset, and his own political future to consider.

Dianne Feinstein’s resignation would unleash intra-state political tensions, and Gavin Newsom would be at the epicenter.
Dianne Feinstein’s resignation would unleash intra-state political tensions, with Gavin Newsom at the epicenter. Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
Tara Palmeri
April 14, 2023

Gavin Newsom, the perpetually preened California governor with national ambitions, is in a tough spot as the person empowered to temporarily fill Dianne Feinstein’s seat if the 89-year-old senator, who is currently fighting a bout of shingles, succumbs to mounting pressure to retire. First, there is the problem of Senate procedure: Feinstein’s absence has been holding up critical judicial appointments. She has asked Chuck Schumer to replace her while she’s unable to travel, but that would require the unanimous consent of the Senate to avoid procedural issues—a quixotic fantasy in this day and age.