Senator Diane Feinstein was dealt a stunning rebuke when delegates to the California Democratic Party’s annual convention declined to endorse her reelection bid today.
Torn between moderate and ideological forces, delegates voted for a progressive rival to Feinstein – state Senate leader Kevin de Leon – by a count of 54% to 37%. The threshold is 60% to receive the state party’s endorsement so neither candidate will earn one in 2018. But the snubbing of Feinstein allowed de Leon, and progressive followers, to claim victory.
“The outcome of today’s endorsement vote is an astounding rejection of politics as usual, and it boosts our campaign’s momentum as we all stand shoulder-to-shoulder against a complacent status quo,” de León said. “California Democrats are hungry for new leadership that will fight for California values from the front lines, not equivocate on the sidelines.”
Feinstein has long had an uneasy relationship with the Party’s base. During her convention address Saturday, she pleaded with delegates for unity. California Democrats, she said, have “the largest delegation in the House. You’ve got Kamala Harris and me in the Senate.” Democrats can be successful at advancing their principles “if we have unified support,” she argued.
The snub reflects a progressive turn in the California Democratic Party. While the outcome was not completely unexpected for Feinstein, who is a widely respected, moderate voice in the Senate, it does take on added significance considering she actively courted the 3,400 delegates with mailers and a conference call held a day before the convention. Feinstein had skipped the state party conventions in the past.
Feinstein is still considered the prohibitive favorite in the race however, leading de Leon in recent polling by 46% to 17%. She also has a considerable advantage in fundraising. Financial disclosures at the end of last year show the Senator held nearly $10 million cash on hand, compared to $500,000 the de Leon campaign reported raising.
Feinstein became mayor of San Francisco in 1978 and has served in the Senate since 1992.