Gavin Newsom says he doesn’t want to name Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s successor

sacramento—— Gov. Gavin Newsom said he does not want to name Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s successor and will leave the decision to resign to her.

“I don’t want to do another appointment. I don’t think the people of California want me to do another appointment,” Newsom said Sunday on “Meet the Press.”

Feinstein, 90, said earlier this year she would not seek re-election in 2024. She is the oldest sitting member of Congress and has faced questions about her cognitive health and memory in recent years, even as she defended her effectiveness in representing a state that is home to nearly 40 million people.

Newsom said he would make an “interim” appointment if necessary and that he would not select any candidates already running for the seat. That would appear to exclude Southern California candidates Reps. Adam Schiff and Katie Porter, as well as Rep. Barbara Lee, a Black Bay Area candidate, from consideration.

“It’s completely unfair to Democrats [who] “We’ve done everything we can. We’re just a few months away from the primaries,” Newsom said. “I don’t want to upset that balance.” “

In 2021, Newsom said he would appoint a Black woman to replace Feinstein if she retired before the end of her term. Newsom made that commitment during the interview.

“We hope we never have to make this decision, but I stand by what I’ve said publicly. Yes,” Newsom said.

Newsom also said he hopes the debate between him and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis can still take place. He said they are still working on dates and possible locations.

He reiterated that he has no plans to run for president in 2024.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.