California Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has been hospitalized, according to reports.
The 89-year-old Democrat recently announced she would not seek re-election, setting off a frenzy for her seat.
Feinstein’s absence is a huge loss as the Democratic Caucus controls the Senate by a 51-49 margin and Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has also been hospitalized.
“I was diagnosed over the February recess with a case of shingles,” Feinstein said in a statement.
“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.”
According to The BBC:
Feinstein has been in California since late February and has missed a dozen votes and two committee hearings since her illness began, her spokesman told the San Francisco Chronicle.
On Tuesday, her office announced that she would remain in California because she is “dealing with a health matter.”
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who is 89:
“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. I hope to return to the Senate later this month.”
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 2, 2023
BREAKING: California Sen. Dianne Feinstein hospitalized in San Francisco https://t.co/FLGJG7hjWV
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 2, 2023
Breaking: Sen. Dianne Feinstein is receiving treatment for shingles in a California hospital, her spokesperson told The Chronicle Thursday. https://t.co/k0nvH1X3yr
— Shira Stein (@shiramstein) March 2, 2023
According to Politico:
Why this matters: Democrats enjoy a functional 51-49 edge in the chamber, but are already down one vote as Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) receives treatment for clinical depression.
Vice President Kamala Harris has broken several ties this week to confirm judicial nominations.
