Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has been hospitalized for shingles in California.
The diagnosis and hospital stay forced her to miss votes this week in Washington.
.@SenFeinstein has been hospitalized in California for a case of the shingles, causing her to miss votes this week.
“I hope to return to the Senate later this month,” she said today.https://t.co/sXczrRiLf4
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 2, 2023
The statement
“I was diagnosed over the February recess with a case of shingles. I have been hospitalized and am receiving treatment in San Francisco and expect to make a full recovery,” Feinstein said in a statement on Thursday.
“I hope to return to the Senate later this month,” the statement added.
Dianne Feinstein announces she won’t run for Senate reelection in 2024 https://t.co/OEeVYIpwds
— KCAL News (@kcalnews) February 14, 2023
Shingles is a disease that includes a painful skin rash and typically lasts from three to five weeks. The illness is not life-threatening but can be dangerous for older individuals or those with weakened immune systems.
The senator’s retirement
The health situation comes shortly after the senator announced that she would not seek reelection in 2024.
“The time has come,” Feinstein told reporters. “It’s not till the end of next year. So don’t hold your breath. And you know, there are times for all things under the sun, and I think that will be the right time.”
Democratic Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff have announced they will run for her seat, with other candidates jumping into the likely crowded field of contenders.
Before she officially announced her retirement, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said she would support Schiff if Feinstein retired.
“I have been hospitalized and am receiving treatment in San Francisco and expect to make a full recovery. I hope to return to the Senate later this month.”@SenFeinstein, the oldest US senator, was admitted to a hospital after contracting shingles. https://t.co/kuhiZ9tNFJ
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) March 3, 2023
Feinstein has yet to endorse any of her Democratic challengers for her position. She has served for 30 years and is the oldest sitting senator in Congress.
The latest move adds to concerns for Democrats that also includes Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) hospitalized for depression as the Senate faces several important votes in her absence, along with some issues in which Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has opposed his party and sided with Republicans.