Senator Dianne Feinstein was hospitalized in California after falling in her home.
The Democrat is 90 years old and has held her seat for three decades.
“Senator Feinstein briefly went to the hospital yesterday afternoon as a precaution after a minor fall in her home,” said a spokesperson for Feinstein, per TMZ. “All of her scans were clear and she returned home.”
Feinstein has had several health issues during 2023. She contracted shingles in February which was further complicated by Ramsay Hunt syndrome, when the viral infection spread to her head and neck, and encephalitis, which causes swelling of the brain. The Democrat spent roughly three months recovering in California. When she returned to the Senate in May, Feinstein appeared to have paralysis on the left side of her face as a result of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, per NBC News.
After her return, The San Francisco Chronicle reported Feinstein was receiving assistance moving around the Capitol from Nancy Corinne Prowda, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s daughter.
Feinstein announced in February that she will resign at the end of her current term. The senator said she “campaigned in 2018 on several priorities for California and the nation” which included “preventing and combating wildfires, mitigating the effects of record-setting drought, responding to the homeless crisis, and ensuring all Americans have access to affordable, high-quality health care.”
“I also remain focused on passing commonsense legislation to fight the epidemic of gun violence, preserving our pristine lands and promoting economic growth – especially to position California for what I believe will be the century of the Pacific,” said Feinstein in a statement.
If Feinstein were to step down before her term concludes in 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom would appoint a temporary replacement.
Progressives have become increasingly concerned about Feinstein’s health. A coalition of 60 political organizations based in California co-signed a letter in April requesting the “Senate icon” step down immediately “with great respect and affection.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee announced she is running to take over the seat Feinstein is set to vacate the day after the senator announced her retirement plan. Lee, who was elected in 1998, represents California’s 12th Congressional District and is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Progressive Caucus. She serves on the Budget Committee and the Appropriations Committee. Lee is also a co-chair of the Policy and Steering Committee for the Congressional Democrats
“Senator Feinstein has been a barrier breaker for all of us who have been inspired by her monumental career, myself included,” Lee said in a statement.
Feinstein, the former mayor of San Francisco, first joined the Senate in 1992.
