Posted 9/29/2023, 7:37:00 PM

Newsom Faces Pressure on Feinstein Replacement Pick After Vowing Black Woman Appointee

Gov. Newsom faces pressure to quickly pick Feinstein's replacement, after pledging to appoint a Black woman.
Newsom promised to avoid candidates already campaigning, including Rep. Barbara Lee.
Feinstein's absence makes it harder for Dems to advance Biden's judge nominees.
Some Dems still upset about Newsom's last appointment of Alex Padilla to replace Kamala Harris.
Decision clouded by Newsom's long personal relationship with Feinstein.

apnews.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/9/2023

Newsom Rules Out 2024 Bid Against Harris, Cites Longtime Friendship

California Governor Gavin Newsom firmly rejected the idea of running against Vice President Kamala Harris, stating that even if President Biden were to not run, Harris would be the natural choice.

9/11/2023

Rep. Lee Criticizes Newsom's Plan to Appoint Black Woman as 'Caretaker' Senator

Rep. Barbara Lee criticizes California Governor Gavin Newsom for his plan to appoint a Black woman as a "caretaker" for Senator Dianne Feinstein's seat, calling it insulting and tokenistic.

9/13/2023

Newsom Goes on Offense Against GOP, Praises Biden While Stumping for Midterms

California Governor Gavin Newsom showcased his role as a fierce attack dog for the Democratic Party, criticizing prominent Republicans, defending President Biden, and urging Democrats to rally behind their leader.

9/20/2023

Newsom Dismisses Abortion Limit Questions, Calls GOP Attacks 'Political BS'

California Gov. Gavin Newsom refuses to endorse legal limits on abortion while dismissing claims that Democrats support late-term abortions as a "political canard."

10/1/2023

Newsom Faces Pressure in Appointing Replacement for Feinstein Senate Seat

Oprah Winfrey and Meghan Markle are being considered as potential replacements for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein in California, with California Governor Gavin Newsom expected to appoint someone for the remaining 13 months of Feinstein's term.

10/1/2023

Black Caucus Urges Newsom to Appoint Rep. Lee to Feinstein's Seat Despite 2024 Run

The Congressional Black Caucus is urging California Gov. Gavin Newsom to appoint Rep. Barbara Lee to the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat, citing Lee's progressive record and commitment to justice and equality.

10/2/2023

Gov. Newsom to Appoint Laphonza Butler as California's New Senator, Making Her Only Black Woman in Senate

California Gov. Gavin Newsom will appoint Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY’s List, to fill the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s Senate seat, making her the sole Black female senator serving in Congress and only the third in US history.

10/2/2023

Newsom to Debate DeSantis on Fox, Aims to Counter Misinformation Despite Critiquing Network

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Fox News and other conservative media outlets, saying that Democrats need to combat the misinformation being promoted on these platforms.

10/3/2023

Newsom Appoints Pragmatic Labor Leader Laphonza Butler to Balance Competing Interests

California Governor Gavin Newsom's pick for the Senate seat, Laphonza Butler, mirrors his values on labor and business issues, despite progressive preferences for Rep. Barbara Lee, as both prioritize results over ideology.