Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) responded on Sunday evening to Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D-CA) remarks regarding a replacement for 90-year-old Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) should it become necessary.
"I am troubled by the Governor's remarks," Lee said in a statement. "The idea that a Black woman should be appointed only as a caretaker to simply check a box is insulting to countless Black women across this country who have carried the Democratic Party to victory election after election."
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Lee is campaigning against two other prominent California Democrats for a shot at the party's nomination for Feinstein's Senate seat in 2024. Feinstein is not running for reelection, and though the election is next November, concerns over the senator's health have increased in recent months.
Lee, a black congresswoman, explained in the statement, "There are currently no Black women serving in the Senate. Since 1789, there have only been two Black woman Senators, who have served a total of 10 years."
"The perspective of Black women in the U.S. Senate is sorely needed — and needed for more than a few months. Governor Newsom knows this, which is why he made the pledge in the first place," she said, referring to a pledge made by the governor to name a black woman to Feinstein's seat if she resigned.
"If the Governor intends to keep his promise and appoint a Black woman to the Senate, the people of California deserve the best possible person for that job. Not a token appointment," Lee said. "Black women deserve more than a participation trophy. We need a seat at the table."
On Sunday, Newsom joined Chuck Todd on NBC's Meet the Press, and he told the host he did not want to get involved in what is shaping up to be a messy Democratic primary for the seat.
"Yes. Interim appointment. I don't want to get involved in the primary," he said.
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"It would be completely unfair to the Democrats that have worked their tail off," Newsom added. "That primary is just a matter of months away. I don't want to tip the balance of that."
In a new poll, Lee trails Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Katie Porter (D-CA). Schiff is the favorite with 20%, and Porter garnered 17%. Lee is behind the two with just 7%. The Democratic primary will take place in California in early March.