As the nation mourns the passing of 90-year-old California Senator Dianne Feinstein, speculation quickly emerged within political circles regarding potential candidates to fill her seat for the remaining 13 months of her term.
Following Senator Feinstein’s demise, speculation surged, and Meghan Markle was among the names circulating as a potential successor. Phones reportedly started buzzing with discussions about possible replacements.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is responsible for selecting Feinstein’s temporary replacement until the next election, scheduled for November 2024. The Governor pledged to appoint a Black woman to fill the vacancy. However, choosing any of the qualified candidates who have already expressed their intent to run in 2024 could risk being seen as favoritism. This complexity fueled rumors surrounding Meghan Markle’s potential candidacy, as she aligns with the desired profile for the interim position and would not raise concerns about favoritism in the upcoming election.
Meghan Markle, renowned as a former actress and member of the British royal family, has been a vocal advocate for socio-political issues. She has consistently demonstrated her dedication to women’s rights and various social justice causes. In a 2022 conversation with Gloria Steinem in Vogue, Markle expressed her concerns about the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade for women’s rights.
Despite the ongoing discussions, not everyone viewed Markle as a suitable candidate for Feinstein’s seat. A senior member of the Democratic Party expressed skepticism, questioning whether Markle would be taken seriously in this political context. However, recent years have shown the unpredictability of U.S. politics, making any potential outcome possible.
However, after all the talk and speculation, Governor Newsom has chosen Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY’s List, to fill the seat.