U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s death creates a vacancy in the Senate at a time when Democrats hold the slimmest majority in the chamber
. An election to pick the state’s next senator serving a full six-year term is scheduled for next year.Here’s a look at what Feinstein’s death means for the Senate at a critical time on Capitol Hill:Before Feinstein’s death, Democrats held a 51-49 majority. They had control of 48 seats, plus three independent members who generally vote with Democrats. Until her seat is filled, Democrats will be at least one vote short of a majority as they try to advance their priorities.
The race to replace her in the fall 2024 election is already underway, with a primary scheduled for March.It’s not immediately clear how quickly Newsom will move to pick a replacement. When then-Sen. Kamala Harris left her seat after being elected vice president in 2020, it went vacant for about two weeks until then-Secretary of State Alex Padilla was appointed by Newsom.
Still, if Newsom doesn’t appoint a replacement quickly, Senate Democrats could have a more difficult time winning enough votes as they try to keep the government open over the weekend. It’s unlikely that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and his Republican caucus in the Senate will suddenly side with House Republicans pushing for a shutdown, but if that were to happen, it could make the votes around a shutdown tougher for Democrats.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
What Dianne Feinstein's death means for Senate DemocratsThe pressure is now on California Gavin Newsom to pick her replacement as quickly as possible.
Read more »
What Dianne Feinstein’s death means for control of the Senate and the looming government shutdownU.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s death creates a vacancy in the Senate at a time when Democrats hold the slimmest majority in the chamber.
Read more »
All eyes turn to Gavin Newsom as Dianne Feinstein death creates Senate vacancyThe news of Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) death prompted immediate speculation about what will happen to her now vacant seat in the closely split Senate as Congress barrels toward a government shutdown.
Read more »
Who will be Dianne Feinstein's replacement? Here are California's rules for replacing U.S. senators.The death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein leave an open seat in the Senate for California.
Read more »
Who will replace Dianne Feinstein in the Senate?The death of senior U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, at the age of 90 leaves open one of the most high-profile seats in the upper congressional chamber. It will be up to Gov. Gavin Newsom to decide who fills it, in what is sure to be one of the most scrutinized decisions of his ambitious career.
Read more »
Who will replace Dianne Feinstein in the Senate?The death of senior U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, at the age of 90 leaves open one of the most high-profile seats in the upper congressional chamber. It will be up to Gov. Gavin Newsom to decide who fills it, in what is sure to be one of the most scrutinized decisions of his ambitious career.
Read more »