KCRA 3: ‘PIONEERING WOMAN LEADER’: CALIFORNIA, NATIONAL LEADERS PAY TRIBUTE TO SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN
California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat elected to the Senate in 1992, died Thursday night at the age of 90.
Feinstein is known for breaking gender barriers in her career in both local and national politics.
She was the oldest sitting U.S. senator who was a passionate advocate for liberal priorities important to her state -- including environmental protection, reproductive rights and gun control -- but was also known as a pragmatic lawmaker who reached out to Republicans and sought middle ground.
Lawmakers took to the U.S. Senate floor on Friday to pay tribute to their former colleague. Watch in the video below.
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"Let me be clear, she was a towering figure not just in modern California history but in the history of our state and our nation," Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said.
Here is more reaction from California and national leaders.
Gov. Gavin Newsom
California Gov. Gavin Newsom called Feinstein a "powerful, trailblazing U.S. Senator," but also added that she "was a dear friend, a lifelong mentor, and a role model not only for me, but to my wife and daughters for what a powerful, effective leader looks like."
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that she and her family were heartbroken to learn about Feinstein's passing.
The congresswoman said Feinstein was a "pillar of public service in California," and was a "pioneering woman leader."
"Her indomitable, indefatigable leadership made a magnificent difference for our national security and personal safety, the health of our people and our planet, and the strength of our Democracy," Pelosi said.
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California
Sen. Alex Padilla said Feinstein was a "towering figure not just in modern California politics, but in the history of our state and our nation."
"She broke barriers throughout her career. Her leadership as the City of San Francisco’s first female mayor in the aftermath of the tragic assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk showcased her unique ability to lead with grace and strength in the face of adversity."
President Joe Biden
"Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend.
In San Francisco, she showed enormous poise and courage in the wake of tragedy, and became a powerful voice for American values. Serving in the Senate together for more than 15 years, I had a front row seat to what Dianne was able to accomplish. It’s why I recruited her to serve on the Judiciary Committee when I was Chairman – I knew what she was made of, and I wanted her on our team. There’s no better example of her skillful legislating and sheer force of will than when she turned passion into purpose, and led the fight to ban assault weapons. Dianne made her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties. She’s made history in so many ways, and our country will benefit from her legacy for generations.
Often the only woman in the room, Dianne was a role model for so many Americans – a job she took seriously by mentoring countless public servants, many of whom now serve in my Administration. She had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors. Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, but she was also a kind and loyal friend, and that’s what Jill and I will miss the most.
As we mourn with her daughter Katherine and the Feinstein family, her team in the Senate, and the people of California, we take comfort that Dianne is reunited again with her beloved Richard. May God Bless Dianne Feinstein."
Vice President Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris, a former senator, said it was "my honor to serve the people of California alongside Senator Feinstein." Here is her statement below:
"Senator Dianne Feinstein was one of the greatest public servants that California and our nation has ever known.
As the first woman president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the first woman to serve as mayor of San Francisco, and the longest-tenured woman to serve in the United States Senate, Dianne Feinstein broke barriers, inspired generations of women to run for office, and improved the lives of millions of Americans through her vision, courage, and leadership.
From her work to help pass the Assault Weapons Ban in 1994, to her work to safeguard California's public lands, and her longstanding advocacy for reproductive rights, marriage equality, and LGBTQ+ rights, Senator Feinstein helped build a better America.
For years, I witnessed Senator Feinstein's leadership, when the cameras were on and when they were off. In 2008, when I was re-elected District Attorney of San Francisco, it was Senator Feinstein who swore me in. As a United States Senator, it was my honor to serve the people of California alongside Senator Feinstein.
On the Senate Intelligence Committee, we spent a great deal of time together—in classified, bipartisan briefings and hearings—working on issues critical to America’s national security and the stability of the world. Senator Feinstein and I shared a fundamental belief in the importance of strong American leadership. And I saw firsthand how she worked courageously to ensure that our leadership was guided by our nation’s values.
In the tradition of so many great Senators from California, she was not only a leader for our state, but for our nation and our world. Through her long career, Senator Feinstein worked across the aisle to help our nation live up to its promise.
Doug and I send our prayers to Senator Feinstein’s family."
Former President Barack Obama
"Dianne Feinstein will be rightly remembered as a trailblazer – the first woman to serve as mayor of San Francisco and the first woman elected to the Senate from California. But once she broke those barriers and walked through those doors, she got to work.
I first got to know Dianne in the Senate, where she was a fierce advocate for gun safety measures and civil rights. Later, when I was president, I came to rely on her as a trusted partner in the fight to guarantee affordable healthcare and economic opportunity for everyone.
The best politicians get into public service because they care about this country and the people they represent. That was certainly true of Dianne Feinstein, and all of us are better for it. Today Michelle and I are thinking of her daughter, Katherine, and everyone who knew and loved her."
Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton
"Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Senator Dianne Feinstein, a pioneering public servant who worked tirelessly on behalf of California and all of America throughout her long career.
As Mayor of San Francisco, she helped heal the wounds left by the assassination of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone, overcame the darkest days of the HIV/AIDS crisis, and saved the iconic cable car system.
After her election to the Senate in 1992, she established herself as one of the chamber’s most effective champions of civil rights and civil liberties, environmental protection, and strong national security.
She was a fearless fighter who never backed down from what she believed in, but knew that principled compromise is often necessary to get things done for the good of the country and her constituents.
I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to work closely with her, particularly to pass the Assault Weapons Ban, which she authored, and on environmental preservation, including the cleanup of Lake Tahoe. And Hillary was proud to serve alongside her in the Senate.
Dianne’s legacy will endure with all the people living better, safer, healthier lives because of her, and in everyone who was inspired by her trailblazing life and career. Our thoughts and prayers are with Katherine, Eileen, and all the people who loved her."
California Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins
Sen. Toni Atkins called Feinstein an "incredible leader who dedicated her career and life to public service."
“California – and our nation – has lost an incredible leader who dedicated her career and life to public service, and opened doors for women in politics. We are fortunate to have benefitted from Senator Feinstein’s courage, strength, and governance for so many years – her legacy is one of a class few can hope to match.”
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank
Rep. Adam Schiff said Friday that "California has lost its trail-blazing leader," but that he "lost a real friend and mentor."
“The Senator’s legacy is unmatched," he said in a statement.
California State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco
“Dianne Feinstein was a true giant. She helped save our city, becoming Mayor after horrific political assassinations & leading us during the worst of the HIV/AIDS health disaster. As our Senator she led on gun safety & so many issues.
"There will never be another Dianne Feinstein.”
Rep. Ami Bera, D-Elk Grove
"For the past several decades, California has been blessed by the public service and leadership of Senator Diane Feinstein,” Bera said. “Senator Feinstein’s trailblazing career inspired multiple generations to take action against violence and injustice in the United States and around the world. She has left a legacy that will serve as the standard for Californians and all Americans to strive for. My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Feinstein's family and close friends at this time.”
Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland
Rep. Lee called Feinstein's death "a sad day for California and the nation" and wrote that she was a champion for the state.
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San Francisco Mayor London Breed
San Francisco Mayor London Breed said in a statement that when Feinstein served as mayor of San Francisco she "bravely led us out of dark, difficult times."
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Speaking later to reporters, Breed talked about her personal connection to Feinstein when she was in middle school and performed with her band at City Hall events. Watch her tribute below.
Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento
California Congresswoman Doris Matsui told KCRA 3 that Feinstein was her friend and “loved California” and its delegation in Congress.
“She was a woman of substance, perseverance,” Matsui said. “She never let things go.”
Matsui said that Feinstein took on the “toughest issues” like gun safety, the environment, women’s and LGBTQ rights and also challenged the CIA on its interrogation procedures.
“She took on everyone,” Matsui said.
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Former Republican California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called Feinstein a "pioneer and a powerhouse."
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