California Assemblywoman Dr. Shirley Weber has criticized the process for selecting California Senator Dianne Feinstein’s successor, describing it as “disingenuous” and “insulting” to Black women. She is referring to the way that California Governor Gavin Newsom selected Alex Padilla, a Hispanic man, as Feinstein’s replacement in the Senate. Weber argued that Newsom had an opportunity to appoint a Black woman to the Senate, which is something that has never been done in the state’s history. She also pointed out that there are a number of qualified, experienced women of color in the state who could have been considered for the seat.
