Trailblazing Sen. Dianne Feinstein Useless at 90

The political world has lost a legendary member.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who became the longest-serving woman in the U.S. senate with over three decades in office, passed away on Sept. 28. She was 90.

According to a Sept. 29 statement from her office, Feinstein died at her home in Washington, D.C. “Her passing is a great loss for so many,” the message—posted to X, formerly known as Twitter—read, “from those who loved and cared for her to the people of California that she dedicated her life to serving.”

Feinstein, who was first elected to the coveted position in 1992, was also the oldest senator in U.S. history. The San Francisco native, who faced health struggles over the years, shared her plans to retire from congress back in February. 

“I am announcing today I will not run for reelection in 2024,” she said in a statement at the time, “but intend to accomplish as much for California as I can through the end of next year when my term ends.”

Following her announcement, President Joe Biden praised Feinstein’s work over the years, calling her a “passionate defender of civil liberties and a strong voice for national security policies that keep us safe while honoring our values.”