Longtime incumbent California Senator Dianne Feinstein (D) announced on Tuesday that she would not run for reelection and would serve out her term, becoming the second senator to do so.

“I am announcing today I will not run for reelection in 2024 but intend to accomplish as much for California as I can through the end of next year when my term ends. Even with a divided Congress, we can still pass bills that will improve lives,” Feinstein said according to Breitbart News.

She added, “Each of us was sent here to solve problems. That’s what I’ve done for the last 30 years, and that’s what I plan to do for the next two years. My thanks to the people of California for allowing me to serve them.”

Each of us was sent here to solve problems. That’s what I’ve done for the last 30 years, and that’s what I plan to do for the next two years. My thanks to the people of California for allowing me to serve them.https://t.co/J1DTR8kNP2

— Senator Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) February 14, 2023

Feinstein's announcement ends months of speculation about her retirement. Her fourth quarter filing from last year revealed that she only raised $558.91 from October to December 2022, fueling speculation that she would retire. According to the same filing, she had less than $10,000 in cash.

The 89-year-old’s announcement could pave the way for a crowded primary as some Democrats — Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) are expected to be the top Senate contenders in 2024, giving even more rise to questions about term limits.

The argument for term limits in the United States Congress is based on several reasons: First, term limits would help to address the problem of entrenched incumbents who remain in office for many years, sometimes even decades, and become disconnected from their constituents.

These long-serving politicians can become more interested in maintaining their own power and influence rather than serving the public interest.

Term limits would limit the amount of time a politician can serve, thus reducing the likelihood of becoming a career politician and increasing the chances of having more fresh voices and ideas in Congress.

Second, term limits could help to reduce the influence of special interests and lobbyists on the legislative process.

As politicians become more entrenched in office, they can become more dependent on campaign contributions and other forms of support from special interests. Term limits would make it more difficult for lobbyists to build long-standing relationships with politicians, thereby reducing their influence over the legislative process.

Third, term limits would help to promote greater diversity and representation in Congress. Currently, many incumbents are reelected year after year, leading to a lack of turnover in Congress.

By introducing term limits, more seats would become available more frequently, making it easier for new voices and perspectives to be represented in Congress.