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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Dianne Feinstein, whose more than 30 years in the Senate made her the longest-serving female U.S. senator in history, died Thursday night at age 90 following health problems.
Born in 1933, Feinstein became an established name in California politics, first serving as a San Francisco County supervisor and then becoming the city's mayor in 1978 following the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.
In 1992, Feinstein was elected as California's first female senator, where she led efforts on gun control and torture program investigations. She also served on the Senate Appropriations Committee and held the title of ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2017 to 2021.
This year, Feinstein struggled with multiple health issues that led to an extended absence from the Senate. In February, she announced that she would not seek reelection in 2024.
Following the news of Feinstein's death, tributes came pouring in from several New England lawmakers.
"During her lifetime of service, Senator Feinstein was a gun safety champion, an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and a trailblazer who paved the way for generations of women in politics. Keeping her family, friends and colleagues in my thoughts. May her memory be a blessing," Gov. Maura Healey said.
"Senator Feinstein was a legendary legislator, a trailblazer for the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community, and a staunch defender of our democratic principles," Sen. Ed Markey said in a statement. "For decades, I was fortunate to count Dianne as a partner in protecting the American people from the existential threats of our time: advancing historic fuel economy standards to combat the climate crisis, championing an assault weapons ban to curb gun violence, and stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons to avert Armageddon. She was a consumer champion, a proponent of peace and diplomacy, and a public servant to her very core. Today marks a great loss for all those who knew and loved her, and for the countless more whose lives were touched by her service to our nation. My heart and thoughts are with her family and friends, and to our colleagues who called her friend."
Sen. Elizabeth Warren said, "From leading an assault weapons ban to championing LGBTQ+ rights and becoming the first woman to lead the Senate Rules and Intelligence committees, Dianne Feinstein broke barriers and fought for the American people. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones."
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark said, "Senator Dianne Feinstein was an unprecedented and unparalleled figure in American politics. She began her historic Senate career in in 1992, 'the Year of the Woman,' and continued to inspire generations of women leaders to follow in her example. We stand on her shoulders."
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein. She was a trailblazer who believed in the promise of our democracy, striving to work together with others regardless of differences in order to make a positive impact. My prayers are with her family, loved ones & staff," said New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan.
"Dianne Feinstein was a woman of great courage and achievement who dedicated her life to public service. Jane and I are saddened by her passing and our thoughts are with her loved ones," said Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
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