Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a trailblazer in U.S. politics and the longest-serving woman in the Senate, dies at 90

Senator Dianne Feinstein, who was a big deal in U.S. politics and the Senate's longest-serving woman, passed away at the age of 90. She was elected in 1992 and spent three decades in the Senate, advocating for gun control and often trying to find common ground with Republicans, even if it made some of her more liberal colleagues a bit frustrated.

Feinstein's office confirmed her death on Friday, but they didn't provide the cause. Her health had been declining quickly in recent months. Her chief of staff, James Sauls, remembered her as someone who fought for justice but was also willing to work with anyone for the betterment of Californians or the country.

President Joe Biden praised her for making history and leaving a lasting impact on the nation. He ordered flags at the White House to be lowered in her honor.

Feinstein, who planned to retire at the end of 2024, faced calls for resignation due to health concerns. Her Senate colleagues paid tribute to her on the Senate floor, emphasizing her intelligence, strength, bravery, and remarkable integrity.

A Democrat from California, Feinstein was a strong advocate for gun control, playing a key role in the assault weapons ban in 1994. She also chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee, leading a review of the CIA’s detention and interrogation program after the 9/11 attacks, resulting in laws against torture methods.

Known as a centrist, she tried to find common ground with Republicans, even when it meant differing from liberal members of her party. She opposed single-payer health care and the Green New Deal. Tensions rose during the Supreme Court nominee hearings in 2020, leading to her stepping down from a key role.

Feinstein preferred sticking to Senate traditions but showed openness to changing filibuster rules in 2021 for key legislative issues. Pressure for her resignation increased in recent years, but she remained committed to serving.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to appoint a temporary successor, as Feinstein had considerable influence in state and national politics. Before her Senate tenure, Feinstein rose to prominence in San Francisco politics, becoming the city's first female elected mayor.

Feinstein, who had faced personal tragedies and was thrice married, leaves behind a daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. Her husband, investment banker Richard Blum, passed away last year.