Feinstein Says She Will Not Seek Sixth Senate Term in 2024

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) said Tuesday that she would not seek re-election in 2024, ending her career as the oldest member of Congress and longest-serving senator from California. 

Key Quotes: In a statement, Feinstein said, “I am announcing today I will not run for reelection in 2024 but intend to accomplish as much for California as I can through the end of next year when my term ends.” Feinstein added, “Even with a divided Congress, we can still pass bills that will improve lives. Each of us was sent here to solve problems. That’s what I’ve done for the last 30 years, and that’s what I plan to do for the next two years. My thanks to the people of California for allowing me to serve them.”

For Context: Feinstein, 89, has served in the U.S. Senate since 1992; she was re-elected in 1994, 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018. Along with former Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), she was California’s first female U.S. senator. In recent years, however, she became a symbol of “gerontocracy” — the idea that Congress includes too many seniors. In April 2022, an anonymous Democratic senator and former staff raised concerns about her mental fitness. Top Democrats are already lining up to fill her Senate seat; Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Katie Porter (D-CA) announced campaigns even before Feinstein’s announcement. 

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was initially neutral and prominently featured across the spectrum. The New York Times (Lean Left bias) briefly listed Feinstein’s age as 88 years, not 89.