In recent weeks it has become more and more apparent that California Senator Diane Feinstein‘s health is deteriorating, leading many to wonder whether the she will retire before the 2024 election. If she does, Gov. Gavin Newsom would be tasked with finding her replacement, and even though no official announcement has been made, names have already begun coming up as potential successors to the 89-year-old senator.
Among those being discussed to take over Feinstein’s position is Oprah Winfrey, however the talk-show host and billionaire has made it quite clear that she has no desire to run for office.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for Winfrey told Entertainment Tonight in no uncertain terms that she “is not considering the seat should it become vacant.”
The possibility of the Golden State seeing a “Senator Winfrey” was first floated by the Associated Press, who reported that her name had come up “in California circles.”
Earlier this year, Newsom sat down with MSNBC’s Joy Reid to discuss what he planned to do if Feinstein decided to retire early. When Reid asked him whether he would appoint a black woman to fill her spot, the governor replied, “We have multiple names in mind, and the answer is yes.”
As Politico reports, Newsom’s promise was celebrated by progressives, many of whom have criticized Feinstein in recent months over her handling of certain legislative and procedural matters, including the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
Feinstein, the oldest serving senator, defended her record, and said at the time that she had no plans of stepping down before her term was up. She has since revealed, however, that this will be her final stint in government, and that she will not be seeking reelection.
A recent poll found that two thirds of Californians feel she is no longer fit for office.
