Feinstein Won’t Lead Senate Judiciary Democrats in New Congress

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said she will not serve as chairman or top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee next Congress.

“I look forward to continuing to serve as a senior Democrat on the Judiciary, Intelligence, Appropriations and Rules committees as we work with the Biden administration on priorities like gun safety, immigration reform and addressing inequities in criminal justice,” Feinstein said in a statement Monday.

Feinstein, 87, faced criticism from progressives for how she handled the confirmations of Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Progressives say they want more aggressive leadership in helping guide President elect Joe Biden’s judicial nominees.