Behind the scenes, California political insiders are already gaming out whom Gov. Gavin Newsom will appoint.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s death set off a frantic round of behind-the-scenes jockeying Friday morning as Gov. Gavin Newsom considers who he will appoint to temporarily fill her seat.
Behind a thin veneer of respect for the Feinstein family, a contest for power began instantly. Within minutes of the news breaking, one Newsom confidante was contacted by someone making a pitch for a potential appointment. The confidante, who was granted anonymity to discuss private conversations, declined to name the person who made the inquiry.
The appointment process is being handled by Newsom and a small group of top staff in the governor’s office as many of his advisers and aides have conflicts given their work for candidates like House members Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee and super PACs connected to the 2024 Senate race.
