Newsom pledges caretaker appointment if Feinstein resigns, dismaying Democratic candidates

Senator Dianne Feinstein's health issues have raised questions about her completing her term, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to say he would appoint a caretaker rather than a candidate if her seat becomes vacant.
Newsom wants to avoid influencing the competitive Democratic primary race to replace Feinstein, which includes candidates like Representatives Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee.
Barbara Lee criticized Newsom's stance as "insulting" after he previously pledged to appoint a black woman like her to an open Senate seat.
Newsom still hopes to avoid having to make an appointment, but says he will select an interim caretaker if Feinstein cannot finish her term, which expires in January 2025.
The caretaker appointment would not be a candidate in the election to serve the next full six-year Senate term from 2025 to 2031.