Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, the longest-serving female Senator in history and the oldest member of the Senate, died on Thursday night, September 29, 2023, at the age of 90. Her age and declining health had raised concerns about her ability to continue serving in the Senate. California Governor Gavin Newsom will be tasked with appointing a temporary replacement for Feinstein, though there is no required timeline for him to do so. Earlier this month, the governor reiterated his pledge to appoint a Black woman to the seat if the need arose. Prominent Black women in California politics include Secretary of State Shirley Weber, state controller Malia Cohen, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed. The replacement Newsom chooses could also jump into the race or endorse one of the candidates already running. The winner of the November 2024 election will be seated in January 2025.