What happened to Senator Dianne Feinstein? The longest-serving woman in the US Senate reported dead aged 90. How she died, career, and fortune explored.
Senator Dianne Feinstein had a successful career as an American politician that spans over decades.
She was in her sixth term as United States senator from California, since winning a special election in 1992.
In February 2023 Dianne announced that she would not seek re-election in 2024 due to months of declining health.
Unfortunately, in September 2023, the world learned about her death, and following that, many might be curious to know about what happened to her, her cause of death, and her net worth. Read on for more.
What was Senator Dianne Feinstein’s cause of death?
Senator Dianne Feinstein has died at age 90.
A family member confirmed to The New York Times that Feinstein died Thursday evening.
Feinstein announced in February that she planned to retire by the end of her term amid requests for her resignation due to her declining health, per NBC News.
Over the past few years, the senator encountered complications with memory loss and suffered from shingles that caused her condition to worsen.
A case of encephalitis eventually put her in a wheelchair as well.
Some politicians have since released statements on Feinstein’s death on Friday, including Florida Senator Marco Rubio.
“Senator Feinstein was a political pioneer with a historic career of public service. Intelligent, hard working & always treated everyone with courtesy & respect. May God grant her eternal rest,” he wrote in a post to X, formerly Twitter.
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley also called Feinstein a “true public servant” in a heartfelt message to X after news of her death broke.
“Sen Feinstein did an outstanding job representing the ppl of California. I worked closely w her as a member of the drug caucus& judiciary cmte. During the time I was chair& she was ranking Democrat we had a wonderful working relationship She’s a true public servant I’ll miss her,” he said.
Former United States Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, called Feinstein a trailblazer.
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Dianne Feinstein,” she wrote in a post to X.
“She blazed trails for women in politics and found a life’s calling in public service. I’ll miss her greatly as a friend and colleague and send my condolences to all who loved her.”
Utah Senator Mitt Romney echoed a similar sentiment.
“Senator Feinstein was a trailblazer—a giant of the Senate—who dedicated her life to public service. Ann and I give our condolences to her loved ones, colleagues, and staff as they mourn her passing,” he wrote in a statement online.
California Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who’s running to be Feinstein’s successor as senator for the Golden State, also praised Feinstein as a “voice of a political revolution for women.”
“This is a sad day for California and the nation,” Lee wrote on X.
“My profound condolences go out to her family and loved ones.”
President Joe Biden spoke highly of Senator Feinstein after her retirement announcement earlier this year.
He called her “a passionate defender of civil liberties and a strong voice for national security policies that keep us safe while honoring our values,” in a statement at the time.
“I’ve served with more U.S. Senators than just about anyone,” President Biden said.
“I can honestly say that Dianne Feinstein is one of the very best.”
Profile Summary
| Celebrated Name: | Senator Dianne Feinstein |
| Net Worth: | $110 million |
| Profession: | Politician |
| Full Real Name: | Dianne Goldman Berman Feinstein |
| Date of Birth: | June 22, 1933 (age 90 years) |
| Birthplace: | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
| Gender: | Female |
| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
What was Senator Dianne Feinstein’s net worth?
For her long years of actively doing politics, the late senator was a multimillionaire. At the time of her death, Dianne Feinstein accumulated an estimated net worth of $110 million. She accrued her fortune from her works as a politician as well as other endeavors like real estate.
Celebrity Net Worth reports that roughly $50 million of Dianne’s net worth is attributable to a stake in Carlton Hotel Properties which owns several lodging assets, notably San Francisco’s Hotel Carlton.
The outlets adds that she also reportedly holds between $5 million and $25 million in savings/checking at First Republic Bank. The remainder of her net worth is attributable to a diverse stock portfolio and personal real estate assets.
At the time of his death in February 2022, Dianne and her late husband, financier Richard Blum, personally owned at least $50 million worth of real estate around the country. Their properties at the time of Blum’s death included:
Feinstein sold the Aspen ranch in March 2023 for $25 million and the Lake Tahoe mansion in late 2021 for $33 million.
Senator Dianne Feinstein had an impressive career
A member of the Democratic Party, Feinstein was first elected to the US Senate in 1992 after defeating California State Controller Gray Davis during a special election to fill a vacant seat.
The senator began her political career in 1969 when she was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
During her post on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, she unsuccessfully ran twice for mayor of the city.
Eventually, she was elected president of the Board of Supervisors in 1978.
Following the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in November 1978, Feinstein became acting mayor while serving as president of the Board of Supervisors.
She was officially inaugurated as the first female mayor of San Francisco in December 1978.
Among her first acts as mayor was to repair the renowned San Francisco cable car system.
Over the years, Feinstein became known for her advocacy of gun-control measures.
In 1994, when former President Bill Clinton signed a law to ban assault weapons, Feinstein championed it and stressed the need for more restrictions after the law expired 10 years later.
She led Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee since 2016.
For most of her time serving in the Senate, Dianne was one of the richest active members of Congress. She spent much of her final years in public office as the oldest sitting U.S. Senator.