Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who returned to the Senate Judiciary Committee after a prolonged absence, is facing controversy about her age and whether she is able to properly serve her constituents.
Her aides shield her from public scrutiny and journalists have encountered difficulties accessing her.
Californians want change, and a poll finds 40% of them want her to resign immediately.
Her supporters argue that a survey is of limited value, while detractors in the House, including Rep.
Ro Khanna, have called out her leadership.
Rep. Ro Khanna of California and four other colleagues have called for Dianne Feinstein to step down before her term ends in 2025.
The support for Feinstein's retirement has come from Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi, who points out that if Feinstein retires, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee will lack the majority required to confirm judges nominated by President Biden.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has dispatched her daughter to serve as a special aide to Feinstein.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom would be expected to appoint a Black woman to the vacated seat if Feinstein were to retire early, but it would be difficult for a candidate like Schiff to justify a primary race against the Senate's lone Black woman.
Feinstein has shown no signs of retiring and is unlikely to bow to public pressure after decades of bucking expectations.
Californians want change, and a poll finds 40% of them want her to resign immediately.
Her supporters argue that a survey is of limited value, while detractors in the House, including Rep.
Ro Khanna, have called out her leadership.
Rep. Ro Khanna of California and four other colleagues have called for Dianne Feinstein to step down before her term ends in 2025.
The support for Feinstein's retirement has come from Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi, who points out that if Feinstein retires, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee will lack the majority required to confirm judges nominated by President Biden.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has dispatched her daughter to serve as a special aide to Feinstein.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom would be expected to appoint a Black woman to the vacated seat if Feinstein were to retire early, but it would be difficult for a candidate like Schiff to justify a primary race against the Senate's lone Black woman.
Feinstein has shown no signs of retiring and is unlikely to bow to public pressure after decades of bucking expectations.