The death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein means California’s Gavin Newsom will be forced to appoint an interim replacement ahead of the 2024 election when voters will have their say.
Feinstein has held the seat since 1992, holding off a generation of Golden State politicians now eager for a chance to succeed her.
Newsom, who nominated the state’s other senator Alex Padilla to replace Kamala Harris in 2021 when he becomes vice president, was openly worried about the decision.
In 2021 Newsom promised to appoint a black woman to Feinstein’s seat if it became available before the general election.
That led many to think that the place would be given to Rep. Barbara Lee, a longtime California progressive who has run for the seat in 2024 when Feinstein plans to retire.
People are starting to ask questions about who could replace Senator Dianne Feinstein. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty ImagesSen. Feinstein’s death leaves a Senate opening in California that hasn’t happened in more than three decades. Reuters
But earlier this month Newsom all but dismissed Lee — saying he didn’t want to interfere with the current primary.
“It is completely unfair to the Democrats who have worked so hard. Elementary school was only a few months away. I don’t want to tell the rest,” Newsom told “Meet The Press.”
California insiders say Newsom is now backed into a corner.
“I keep whining when extra requirements are imposed, and I don’t know why. He is free to appoint anyone he wants including himself. but he seems to have eliminated a lot of very good candidates,” said California GOP Rep. Darrell Issa.
Below is a list of five names experts told The Post might be at the top of Newsom’s list.
The possibility is provided by Hank Sheinkopf, a long-disfigured Big Apple politician.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber (3 to 1)
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber is considered among the most likely candidates for the position. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Weber, 75, already owes his current job to Newsom, who appointed him to replace Padilla in 2020. He won a full term in the post in 2022.
It is unclear whether he wants to give up a safe seat for the incumbent Senate position.
Although she owes her career to Newsom, Weber played a key role as secretary of state in facilitating a 2021 recall election against her.
“She was elected statewide, poses no threat to Newsom, is easily identifiable as a black woman, has won statewide, and as long as there are no blemishes, it works,” Sheinkopf said.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (5 to 1)
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass would be a safe bet, but it’s unclear if she wants the job.AFP via Getty Images
Bass would be a relatively safe choice.
A former California state assembly speaker who spent a decade in Congress, Bass has been elected mayor of Los Angeles in 2022.
He was once a popular mayor, but insiders say he may not be interested in the incumbent.
“Of course I think Bass, given his extensive experience, is good, but I’m not sure he wants to do it. He’s got a pretty good job right now,” said longtime Democratic strategist James Carville. “Karen will not take that senate seat for just one year.”
Bass, 69, himself publicly expressed support for Newsom’s choice of Barbara Lee.
State Comptroller Malia Cohen (8 to 1)
State Guard Malia Cohen will be among the younger possibilities and close to California’s Gavin Newsom. AP
Cohen is the second highest-ranking black woman in California after Weber.
He was friendly with Newsom for two decades and served as a San Francisco county supervisor.
As comptroller, Cohen, 45, is responsible for distributing state funds, overseeing audits of state agencies, and representing the state on dozens of boards and commissions.
He will be a relative unknown outside of California and has little chance of solidifying himself in the seat before the 2024 primary.
Oprah Winfrey (1000 to 1)
The queen of daytime television will likely be the consensus pick with high approval ratings. AFP/Getty Images
The ultimate wild card.
The legendary television entertainer will come with a universal name ID and sky-high approval ratings. Rumor has it that Newsom is considering the queen of daytime television which has the added bonus of not having any known political aspirations.
He has repeatedly rejected pleas by die-hard fans that he is running for president.
Winfrey, 69, has publicly thrown cold water on the idea of replacing Feinstein.
In May a spokesperson claimed “he is not considering the seat if it is vacant,” the Los Angeles Times reported.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed (10,000 to 1)
San Francisco Mayor London Breed will be among the most divisive choices. Getty Images
Breed will be the most divisive choice.
Feinstein herself served as mayor of San Francisco in the 1980s, but things have become more liberal.
In the uproar surrounding the death of George Floyd, Breed, 49, cut $120 million from the budgets of both the San Francisco police and sheriff’s departments.
Robberies and other violent crimes soon skyrocketed forcing him to make a dramatic reversal.
Breed also oversaw some of the country’s most Draconian mask mandates during the pandemic, but managed to dance without a mask and let loose at a jazz club in September 2021.
Under his leadership, San Francisco has become synonymous with urban blight.
“He’s responsible for the disease called San Francisco,” Sheinkopf said.
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