Gov. Gavin Newsom allegedly considers the former daytime talk show queen as Feinstein's potential replacement should the ailing lawmaker step down before the end of her term.
- May 25, 2023
AceShowbiz - Oprah Winfrey is possibly in the running for U.S. Senate. While the media mogul has not officially launched a political campaign in any way, she's reportedly touted as possible replacement for Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
Feinstein, who returned to the Senate earlier this month, has already said she will not run for re-election in 2024. However, before her current term ends, the 89-year-old has been showing signs of deteriorating health, prompting questions who will replace her if her seat becomes vacant before the 2024 election.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, who will be tasked with choosing the successor, is considering Winfrey among Feinstein's potential replacements, according to the Associated Press. Back in 2021, the 40th governor of California promised to appoint a black women should Feinstein's seat become open.
The talk about Feinstein's possible retirement before the senator's term ends in January 2025 has been brewing amid her ongoing medical struggles. Her frail appearance, confused interactions with reporters in Washington and the growling list of health challenges disclosed by her office continue to fan questions about her fitness for the job.
But despite calls from within her own party to resign, she has given no indication that she is considering stepping down. Feinstein, who will turn 90 years old in June, is currently the oldest member of Congress.
Meanwhile, Winfrey has waded into politics when she endorsed several Democrats in high-profile races during the 2022 midterm elections. The 69-year-old billionaire was even mentioned as a possible presidential contender in the run-up to the 2020 election, but she has ruled out running for the White House on multiple occasions.
In November 2018, the former daytime talk show queen clearly stated that she had no interest in running for the office during one of Stacey Abrams' Georgia gubernatorial runs. "I am not here because I am making some grandstand, because I'm thinking about running myself. I don't want to run. I am not trying to test any waters, don't want to go in those waters," she said in a speech.
Winfrey did back Abrams though, as she did for John Fetterman in Pennsylvania, Cheri Beasley in North Carolina, Val Demmings in Florida, Mandela Barnes in Wisconsin, Beto O'Rourke in Texas, and Raphael Warnock in Georgia.
