The late Senator Dianne Feinstein of California will be honored with a lying in state ceremony at San Francisco City Hall on Wednesday. The public will have the opportunity to pay their respects from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT. However, due to limited space, the Thursday funeral service will be closed to the public but will be livestreamed online. Following the funeral, Senator Feinstein will be buried in a private, family-only ceremony.
Feinstein, who passed away at the age of 90, served as a senator for three decades, making her the longest-serving female US senator in history. Her body, accompanied by Representative Nancy Pelosi, arrived in San Francisco on Saturday evening via a plane from the president’s military fleet. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has confirmed that Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY’s List, will be appointed by the governor to fill Feinstein’s seat. EMILY’s List is a political action committee that supports Democrats who advocate for abortion rights.
The lying in state ceremony and funeral services are important moments to honor the legacy of Senator Feinstein, allowing both the public and private gatherings to come together and remember her contributions. The livestreaming of the funeral service ensures that those who are unable to attend in person can still take part in commemorating her life and career. The appointment of Laphonza Butler as Feinstein’s successor also signifies the political transition following her passing and the governor’s decision to select someone with a background in advocating for important Democratic values.