The oldest living lawmaker has passed away, as The Epoch Times reported.

On Friday, her chief of staff confirmed that California Democrat Senator Dianne Feinstein died that evening on September 28. The reason for her passing away remains unknown.

"Her passing is a great loss for so many, from those who loved and cared for her to the people of California that she dedicated her life to serving," James Sauls, the chief of staff, said in a statement.

"She left a legacy that is undeniable and extraordinary. There is much to say about who she was and what she did, but for now, we are going to grieve the passing of our beloved boss, mentor and friend," Sauls added.

In 1992, Ms. Feinstein was elected to the U.S. Senate five times and was the longest-serving woman in the Senate. Previous to her service in the nation's capital, she served as mayor of San Francisco and on the Board of Supervisors there.

Richard Blum, Ms. Feinstein's late husband, passed away in 2022.

Ms. Feinstein's health was deteriorating. In August, she had a little hospital stay due to a fall. After getting shingles in March, she stayed in the hospital for a while to be treated. Because of the infection, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome developed, which can paralyze the face. She was in a wheelchair and needed assistance getting about the Senate when she finally returned there.

As part of the dispute over Mr. Blum's estate, Ms. Feinstein had granted her daughter power of attorney.

Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom will appoint someone to replace Feinstein's position temporarily this due to regulations stating that when a seat in the Senate becomes vacant, the states are authorized by the Constitution to fill it.

Mr. Newsom has not provided a timetable for making his decision. On Friday he released a statement calling Feinstein "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."

Before September, Newsom had stated he would appoint a black woman to fill a Senate vacancy, but now he says he won't choose from among the contenders.

"I don't want to get involved in the primary," he said.

In early 2025, Feinstein's seat was going to be open because she decided not to seek for reelection.

The candidates for the office include Democrats Barbara Lee of California, Katie Porter of Washington, and Adam Schiff of California. Eric Early, an attorney, and Sarah Sun Liew, a businesswoman, are two of the Republican candidates.

Since 1992, no Republican has served as California's senator. In the Senate, Democrats are now in the majority. With Feinstein, the count is 50-49.