In the wake of Senator Dianne Feinstein's passing at the age of 90, the political landscape of California is abuzz with speculation regarding her potential successor. Among the names being floated around is none other than Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. While the idea might seem far-fetched to some, it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility given the unpredictable nature of U.S. politics.
Feinstein's death has shifted the focus to California Governor Gavin Newsom, who now bears the responsibility of appointing someone to serve the remaining 13 months of Feinstein's term. Previously, Newsom had expressed his intention to appoint a Black woman to the Senate in the event of Feinstein's passing. This commitment has led to heightened expectations and scrutiny over his impending decision.
Meghan Markle's name has been brought into the conversation due to her known political ambitions and her residence in Montecito, California. Sources revealed to The Daily Mail that Markle's name was discussed as a potential replacement for Feinstein. This isn't the first time Markle's name has been associated with political aspirations. Prior to the 2020 election, when Joe Biden selected Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, Markle was reportedly considered for the U.S. Senate. A senior Labour Party source had mentioned that Markle had been "networking among senior Democrats" with an eventual goal of launching a grassroots campaign targeting a presidential bid.
Markle's political interests are further underscored by her growing relationship with Gloria Steinem, a renowned feminist icon. Steinem has reportedly been introducing Markle to influential figures within the Democratic Party. An unnamed source was quoted saying, "Meghan is interested in politics more than anything else. That's where she believes her power is, but she has had to focus on making money."
However, Newsom's decision is not without its challenges. Several Black women, including Rep. Barbara Lee, are already campaigning for Feinstein's post, which will be on the ballot next year. Appointing any of these candidates could lead to accusations of favoritism. Furthermore, Newsom's earlier indication of selecting a caretaker instead of picking from the current slate of candidates drew criticism. Rep. Barbara Lee, for instance, expressed her displeasure, stating that the idea of appointing a Black woman merely as a caretaker was "insulting."
While Meghan Markle's potential appointment remains speculative, it's evident that her political ambitions and networking efforts have positioned her as a notable figure in the ongoing discussions. Whether or not she will make a move into the political arena remains to be seen, but the current scenario has certainly added fuel to the fire of speculation.
