Dianne Feinstein to step down as top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary panel

Sen. Dianne Feinstein plans to step down as the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee in the next Congress, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The 87-year-old California Democrat faced blowback from progressives for her handling of Amy Coney Barrett’s contentious Supreme Court confirmation hearings, particularly after praising Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) for his handling of the process and giving him a hug.

After the hearings, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he had a “long and serious” talk with Feinstein. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) is next in line for the job, followed by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

Feinstein’s office did not respond to repeated requests for comment.