California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) says he would nominate a Black woman to fill Sen. Dianne Feinstein‘s (D) seat if she should resign.
However, Feinstein, 85, says she is not planning on stepping down before her term is over in early 2025.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the California senator addressed Newsom’s comments, “Please, we’re very good friends. I don’t think he meant that the way some people thought.”
She went on to suggest that reporters are “making a mountain out of a molehill.”
Feinstein added that she “absolutely” believes she can serve out the remainder of her term.
“I think that’s pretty obvious,” she said.
During an appearance on MSNBC on Monday, Newsom was asked, “If, in fact, Dianne Feinstein were to retire, will you nominate an African American woman?”
“I have multiple names in mind. We have multiple names in mind — and the answer is yes,” he responded.
In case you missed it:
Newsom tells @JoyAnnReid that if Feinstein retires, he will nominate a black woman to replace her in the Senate. Via @thereidout
— Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) March 16, 2021
pic.twitter.com/MD8LADFHxB
Some progressive groups have suggested Feinstein should resign. However, she has previously signaled that she does not plan on stepping down.
During an appearance on ABC’s “The View,” Newsom also clarified that he does not believe that Feinstein will resign.
“I have no expectation that she’ll be stepping aside,” he said.
Newsom continued, “Quite the contrary. I talk to her quite often. She is as lucid and focused as committed to the cause of fighting not only for our state as… senior senator in California, but this nation, in her senior status, as someone who has been in the Senate, with great respect across the aisle as long or longer than most.”