Reports suggest that media mogul Oprah Winfrey is being considered as a potential replacement for ailing California Senator Dianne Feinstein by Governor Gavin Newsom if the 89-year-old lawmaker decides to step down before the end of her term.
Although Feinstein has already announced that she will not run for re-election in 2024, discussions are underway regarding potential replacements in the event of her retirement, including Oprah Winfrey, according to the Associated Press.
The responsibility of selecting Feinstein’s successor would fall on California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom if she were to retire before the 2024 election.
Newsom has previously expressed his commitment to appointing a black woman should the vacancy arise, making Winfrey, a Democrat and billionaire talk show host, a fitting candidate.
During the 2022 midterm elections, Winfrey actively participated in politics by endorsing several Democrats in high-profile races across the country.
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However, despite speculation about a potential presidential run in 2020, Winfrey has consistently stated her lack of intention to pursue the White House.
Several prominent Democrats, including California Rep. Barbara Lee, who is black, as well as California Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff, who are both white, have already entered the race for Feinstein’s seat when her term concludes.
Recent reports suggest that Feinstein’s health condition has prompted her to limit interactions with reporters and photographers on Capitol Hill.
Her aides and the Senate sergeant-at-arms have been shielding her, revealing her vision and balance impairments, facial paralysis resulting from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and other health challenges related to shingles and encephalitis.
These concerns have led some voices within the Democratic Party, such as California Rep. Ro Khanna and Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips to call for Feinstein’s resignation, asserting that her ability to fulfill her duties has been compromised.
As political discussions continue, the potential appointment of Oprah Winfrey as a replacement for Sen. Feinstein would add an entirely new dimension to the race.
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