Here’s what it would take to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein

California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D, is struggling to recover from shingles. She expected to be back at the end of March, but she has had continued complications.

Feinstein asked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to appoint a replacement for her on the Judiciary Committee while she’s away, but there are calls for her to step down entirely. 

Those calling for her to resign include Democratic Reps. Ro Khanna, Calif, and Dean Phillips, Minn. 

“While she has had a lifetime of public service, it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties,” Khanna tweeted.

“But I believe it’s now a dereliction of duty to remain in the Senate and a dereliction of duty for those who agree to remain quiet,” Phillips added.

Although calls for Feinstein’s resignation were criticized by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

“I’ve never seen them go after a man who was sick in the Senate in that way,” Pelosi told reporters.

But if it came to it, how would Feinstein be replaced?

First, she would have to resign. But she said in a statement, “I remain committed to the job and will continue to work from home in San Francisco.”

If she did leave office prematurely, Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif, would appoint a replacement to serve out the remainder of her term. California voters would then choose a replacement during the November 2024 election. 

Every vote counts in a closely divided Senate that has 51 Democrats and 49 Republicans. As Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin told reporters, Feinstein’s absence does impact their ability to confirm President Biden’s judicial nominees. The absence of Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn., makes confirming federal judges even harder. Fetterman is recovering from clinical depression.

Senate Democratic leaders admit, when their colleagues are away because of an illness or any other reason, it’s more difficult to get work done.

Regardless of whether Feinstein resigns, California will choose her replacement in the 2024 election. She already announced she is retiring and candidates to replace her include Democratic Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff.