Governor Gavin Newsom of California is facing backlash from the Black community for his plan to appoint an “interim appointment” to replace Senator Dianne Feinstein. Newsom believes that there are Black women in California who would be willing to serve as caretakers for the Senate seat, finishing out Feinstein’s term but not running for reelection. However, this idea has been met with criticism as it would make it harder to ensure that a Black woman is elected to the Senate. Many Black women politicians, including Rep. Barbara Lee, have voiced their opposition to being appointed as mere caretakers, stating that it is insulting to be appointed only to fulfill a diversity quota.
The issue at hand is not only about representation, but also about the implications for Newsom’s political future. He had previously faced pressure from a national coalition of Black politicians and activists to appoint a Black woman to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Vice President Kamala Harris. However, he chose to appoint Alex Padilla, California’s first Latino U.S. senator. This decision sparked resentment among Black women who felt that their voices were being neglected and that their fight for representation was being undermined.
Now, as Newsom considers his options for filling Feinstein’s seat, he is met with a unified demand from Black women politicians and activists. They expect him to appoint a Black woman who will not only serve as a caretaker but also have the opportunity to run for a full term. The support for Rep. Barbara Lee has been particularly strong, with influential figures such as San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Rep. Maxine Waters endorsing her candidacy. If Newsom chooses to appoint a caretaker instead of a candidate with a chance for long-term representation, he risks further alienating the Black community and losing their support in future political endeavors.
In conclusion, Governor Newsom’s plan to appoint an interim caretaker for Senator Feinstein’s seat has been met with criticism from the Black community. Black women politicians and activists argue that it is insulting and undermines their fight for representation. They demand a qualified Black woman candidate who will have the opportunity to serve a full term in the Senate. Newsom’s decision will not only impact diversity in the Senate but also have political implications for his own future as he seeks support from Black voters in other states.
