Staff Reports
The Congressional Black Caucus is putting the pressure on California Governor Gavin Newsom to appoint Representative Barbara Lee to the Senate seat left vacant by the late Senator Dianne Feinstein. The Caucus sent a letter to Newsom requesting the appointment, emphasizing his previous commitment to choosing a black woman for the position. Newsom had promised in 2021 to fill the seat with a black woman, and now the Caucus is holding him accountable.
It’s not surprising that the Black Caucus is pushing for Lee’s appointment. They believe she is the best choice due to her progressive values and dedication to helping working people. Horsford, the Chairman of the Caucus, commended Newsom for his commitment to rectifying the lack of representation in the Senate and urged him to make the right decision.
In the midst of Feinstein’s health concerns and eventual passing, Newsom now has the opportunity to fulfill his promise. However, he has previously stated that he would not interfere in the 2024 Senate race to replace Feinstein. It will be interesting to see if he sticks to his word or if political pressure forces him to make a different decision.
Overall, this situation highlights the ongoing debate about representation and diversity in politics. While it’s important to consider a range of factors when choosing a candidate, the Caucus’s request for a black woman to be appointed aligns with their goal of promoting equitable representation. It remains to be seen how Newsom will navigate this challenging decision.
