Democrats have been pressing the aged Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California to retire before her term officially expires in January 2025, especially after her return to the chamber earlier in May following a months-long absence while she battled shingles.
Feinstein needed to be assisted into the chamber in a wheelchair and looked visibly weak and frail, with one eye nearly closed. Subsequent reports said that her condition was worse than previously reported. But she has steadfastly refused to step down.
Now, Democrats are getting more bad news: A Republican candidate vying for her seat is currently leading other Democrats either in the race to succeed Feinstein or who have reportedly expressed an interest in running for it.