🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.
Senator Dianne Feinstein, a prominent proponent of gun control legislation and known for her efforts to bridge partisan divides during her 30-year tenure in the Senate, died Thursday night at age 90.
Her death was confirmed via a statement from her chief of staff, James Sauls. She is survived by her daughter, Katherine Feinstein, a San Francisco County Superior Court judge; her son-in-law, Rick Mariano; and her granddaughter, Eileen Feinstein Mariano.
From the office of Senator Dianne Feinstein: pic.twitter.com/rvcAmVk8O0
— Senator Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) September 29, 2023
As the oldest member of the Senate, longest-serving female senator, and longest-serving senator from California, Feinstein had announced her retirement in February and planned to complete her term. However, there were some calls for her resignation due to concerns about her health.
MAGA supporters have been quick to mock her death, taking to X, formerly Twitter, to deride the Democrat.

Joey Mannarino, a MAGA-backing podcast host who describes himself as a "political strategist trying to save America from the woke insanity," wrote on X: "Dianne Feinstein managed to die in office just like we said she would. They couldn't keep her alive long enough to keep the seat warm for [Representative Adam] Schiff, but they sure tried.
"Poor woman had to spend her final days being a slave to [Senate Majority Leader Chuck] Schumer and [Representative Nancy] Pelosi rather than with her family. I guess that's the Faustian bargain you make when you sell your soul to the political machine."
Radio show host Brendan Dilley wrote on X: "Diane Feinstein spent her entire career auctioning off power to the Chinese Communist Party. She made hundreds of millions of dollars selling out her constituents and America. Feinstein was reprimanded repeatedly for her insider trading. Today, she's dead. Good riddance."
"Senator Dianne Feinstein Dead At Age of 90," YouTuber Matt Wallace posted. "Her Legacy: Helping To Destroy The Future of The United States of America..."
Other politicians and celebrities paid tribute to Feinstein.
President Joe Biden said in a statement: "Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend."
"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," the statement continued. "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."

Former first lady and presidential candidate Hilary Clinton wrote on X: "I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Dianne Feinstein. She blazed trails for women in politics and found a life's calling in public service. I'll miss her greatly as a friend and colleague and send my condolences to all who loved her."
"Senator Dianne Feinstein was a champion for Gun Violence Prevention that broke barriers at all levels of government. We wouldn't have had an assault weapons ban if it wasn't for Senator Feinstein and due to her tireless work, we will win it back," Florida Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost wrote on X. May her memory be a blessing."
Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson offered his condolences to "the family and friends of Senator Feinstein, going on to describe her as a very gracious person. New Jersey Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman posted: "Dianne Feinstein was an incredible public servant and inspiration to many. My prayers are with her family tonight. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her."
Actor and activist George Takei wrote on X: "The senior senator of my home state of California, Dianne Feinstein, has passed away at age 90. She was a trailblazer and a leading advocate for an assault weapons ban. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing."
Update 9/29/23, 10:41 a.m. ET: This story was updated with additional information.
About the writer
Aliss Higham is a Newsweek reporter based in Glasgow, Scotland. Her focus is reporting on Social Security, other government benefits ... Read more