Feinstein’s husband eyeing ambassadorship: report

The husband of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) is reportedly eyeing an ambassadorship, The New York Times reported on Tuesday, which could create a new exit plan for the 87-year-old lawmaker who has received pressure from colleagues to depart her prized California Senate seat.

Richard Blum, a wealthy investor, is reportedly interested in a role in a European capital, the Times reported, citing Democrats in California and Washington. He has indicated to President Biden’s advisers that he is interested in one of the coveted ambassador posts.

Elevating Blum to an ambassadorship could allow Feinstein, who was first elected to her seat in 1992 after serving as San Francisco’s mayor for 10 years, to depart from the Senate, after conversations have stewed about her ability to carry out the duties of the seat. In private, senior Democratic lawmakers have not been afraid to discuss their concern with the senator’s “diminished acuity,” and their interest in replacing her with a Black woman, the Times reported.

If Blum is appointed to an ambassadorship, and Feinstein joins her husband overseas, “it could solve an increasingly awkward problem for Democrats,” the Times wrote.

Feinstein, however, has indicated that she has no intention of resigning. After California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) created a stir when pledging to appoint a Black woman to replace Feinstein if she chose to retire before her term ended, the senior senator from the Golden State said she plans to serve out her full term, which ends in January 2025.

“Absolutely,” she told reporters when asked if she thought she was able to serve the full term. “I think that’s pretty obvious.”

In November 2020, Feinstein stepped down from her position as the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, announcing that she would not seek the chairmanship or ranking member position in the next Congress. 

This move followed a barrage of criticism from the left aimed at Feinstein for her handling of Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing in the fall. At the end of Barrett’s confirmation hearing, the then-ranking member hugged Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and praised his handling of the proceedings.

The Hill has reached out to Feinstein’s office for comment.