Biden mourns death of ‘cherished friend’ Dianne Feinstein

President Joe Biden mourned the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) Friday morning

News of Feinstein’s death broke Friday morning. At 90 years old, she was the longest-serving female member of Congress in U.S. history. Her chief of staff, James Sauls, confirmed the death Thursday night at her home in Washington, D.C.

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“Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend,” the president wrote. “Often the only woman in the room, Dianne was a role model for so many Americans — a job she took seriously by mentoring countless public servants, many of whom now serve in my Administration. She had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors. Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, but she was also a kind and loyal friend, and that’s what Jill and I will miss the most.”

The president called back to his time as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he recruited Feinstein also to serve.

“There’s no better example of her skillful legislating and sheer force of will than when she turned passion into purpose, and led the fight to ban assault weapons,” he continued. “Dianne made her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties. She’s made history in so many ways, and our country will benefit from her legacy for generations.”

A number of prominent Democrats also memorialized Feinstein prior to Biden’s statement.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Feinstein “blazed trails for women” and added that she will “miss her greatly as a friend and colleague.”

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Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) called Feinstein a “political giant” and commended her for being “an early voice for gun control” and a “lifelong mentor.”

“She broke down barriers and glass ceilings, but never lost her belief in the spirit of political cooperation,” he continued. “Her story wasn’t just about being the first woman in a particular political office, it was what she did for California, and for America, with that power once she earned it. That’s what she should be remembered for.”