California’s Senate Seat Is Open As Dianne Feinstein Announces She Will Not Seek Reelection

Probably the most attention-grabbing elections of 2024 grew to become official as Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced that she is not going to search reelection.

Sen. Feinstein stated in a press release offered to PoliticusUSA:

I’m saying immediately I can’t run for reelection in 2024 however intend to perform as a lot for California as I can by the tip of subsequent 12 months when my time period ends.

I campaigned in 2018 on a number of priorities for California and the nation: stopping and combating wildfires, mitigating the results of record-setting drought, responding to the homelessness disaster, and guaranteeing all Individuals have entry to reasonably priced, high-quality well being care. Congress has enacted laws on all of those subjects over the previous a number of years, however extra must be performed – and I’ll proceed these efforts.

I additionally stay centered on passing commonsense laws to combat the epidemic of gun violence, preserving our pristine lands and selling financial development – particularly to place California for what I imagine would be the century of the Pacific. And I’ll use my seniority on the Appropriations Committee to make sure California will get its justifiable share of funding.

I’m assured we will obtain these targets as a result of we’ve performed it earlier than. From the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban to the 2014 CIA torture report, from preserving Lake Tahoe and the Mojave Desert to passing the primary vital world warming laws, from defending scholar athletes from abuse to defending customers from dangerous chemical compounds, and extra not too long ago bettering our efforts to fight wildfire and drought, we have now improved the lives of thousands and thousands.

Even with a divided Congress, we will nonetheless go payments that can enhance lives. Every of us was despatched right here to resolve issues. That’s what I’ve performed for the final 30 years, and that’s what I plan to do for the following two years. My because of the individuals of California for permitting me to serve them.

Due to California’s main system the place all candidates run in opposition to one another and the highest two advance to the final election, it’s nearly a certainty that the highest two finishers might be Democrats who will face off once more within the normal election.

At present, Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff are each declared candidates with a minimum of two extra Home Republicans doubtlessly becoming a member of the first.

The California main might be costly, and the final election might price much more. Feinstein’s retirement had been anticipated.

California’s US Senate seat has as near a zero likelihood of flipping as can exist in American politics, however the contest among the many Democrats might be one of the crucial intently watched in 2024.