Her chief of staff announced her death in a statement Friday, saying that the lawmaker died Thursday night at her home in Washington, DC.
Storyboard
Looking back on U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein's legacy
California Senator Dianne Feinstein died Thursday night at 90 years old. Feinstein was a lifelong advocate for progressive causes including gun control and reproductive freedom. She was also the first female mayor of San Francisco and the first woman to represent California in the US Senate. In the wake of her death, questions are swirling over how the California Democrat's now-empty seat in Congress will be filled.
Her death
Feinstein faced a number of health issues in the last year and was absent from the Senate for a period of time when she was hospitalized with shingles. Feinstein was the oldest member of Congress at the time of her death.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving senator from California, died at 90 years old. Her death comes after struggles with shingles, memory loss, and physical decline.
Her career
Feinstein broke many barriers and was an advocate of several causes throughout her career. Elected in 1992, the Democratic senator from California held office for three decades.
Her resignation
In the months preceding her death, several House Democrats subsequently called on her to resign, claiming her health-related absence affected Democrats' agenda.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Feinstein's death will temporarily narrow Senate Democrats' razor-thin majority. As one of the most senior Democrats, Feinstein held seats on the powerful Senate Judiciary and Intelligence committees.
