Bay Area political leaders react to death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein; "An icon and a trailblazer"

News of the death of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving woman senator in U.S. history,  brought poignant reactions from Bay Area political leaders Friday.

Governor Gavin Newsom, like Feinstein a former mayor of San Francisco, called her "a dear friend, a lifelong mentor, and a role model not only for me, but to my wife and daughters for what a powerful, effective leader looks like."

California state Senator Scott Wiener said Feinstein "helped save our city" after she became mayor and lauded her on her work in the U.S. Senate.

Fellow San Franciscan and U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi hailed Feinstein's "indomitable, indefatigable leadership" in her statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed on Friday called Feinstein "an icon and a trailblazer. She was a fierce and unrelenting champion for our City, our State, and our Country."

"My sympathies and prayers go out to her entire family and all San Franciscans who loved and admired her. Her dedication to public service was only exceeded by her love for San Francisco, and this City loved her back. Her legacy as one of San Francisco's true leaders will be admired for generations to come," said Breed in her statement.

"Simply put, there will never be another Dianne Feinstein," said Breed.

Former California Governor Jerry Brown said on social media Feinstein was a friend of his family and "utterly unique and set the bar for those who follow."

U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael said: "Dianne Feinstein leaves a profound and enduring legacy on so many big issues, from gun safety to reproductive choice, to human rights, to Lake Tahoe and the California Desert. Her contributions to California and the nation are unmatched, and I'm honored that I had a chance to serve and work with her."

U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, called Feinstein "a friend and mentor" and said her passing was "a monumental day of loss."

"She was a fearless trailblazer with an iron backbone who led the charge on gun control and never stood down from her demands of transparency and accountability in American government," said Lee Friday in a statement. "Her colleagues in Congress knew her as a fighter who led with strength, grace, and grit, but also a gentle presence in the chamber. She was a legislative powerhouse in the Senate, championing major victories for our democracy, national security, gun reform, women's and LGBTQ+ rights, and our environment. But she was also an artist, a loving wife and mother, and a cherished friend. Her legacy and impact have forever shaped our nation."

U.S Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, called Feinstein "a woman of many firsts and a woman of enormous integrity" and "a mentor to countless women."

"She was my friend and colleague for decades, and she stood as tall as our redwoods in representing the nation-state of California that she so loved," said Eshoo.

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