Dianne Feinstein, 90, HOSPITALIZED after falling in her $16.5million San Francisco mansion: More health fears for ill Democratic senator after tripping at home
- She went home after tests showed she was fine
- “Senator Feinstein made a brief visit to the hospital,” a spokesperson told DailyMail.com. “All her scans were clear and she went home”
- Feinstein was called upon to step down from her seat and she missed nearly three months of work earlier this year due to shingles
Senator Dianne Feinstein was in hospital on Tuesday after tripping and falling at her home in San Francisco, but was released after tests showed she was fine.
“Senator Feinstein made a brief visit to the hospital yesterday afternoon as a precaution after a minor fall in her home. All of her scans were clear and she went home,’ a spokesperson for her told DailyMail.com.
But the latest health incident will raise more questions about the 90-year-old’s ability to carry out her duties as a senator.
Feinstein, a Democrat from California, has battled health issues for the past few years. While she’s been in Washington DC for the past two months on legislative business, senators are now on annual recess in August and are expected to return to the Capitol after Labor Day.
Feinstein returned to the Senate in May after being absent for nearly three months and missing nearly 100 votes after suffering from shingles.
Dianne Feinstein reportedly in hospital – above Capitol senator in May
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he had spoken with Feinstein and she was “doing fine.”
“I spoke with Senator Feinstein this morning. She said she suffered no injuries and went to the hospital briefly as a precaution. I’m glad she’s back home now and doing well,” he said in a statement.
She was in a wheelchair and looked frail as she entered the United States Capitol. When she returned, aides helped her around the Capitol and she was told how to vote on major bills.
She said doctors advised her to work a lighter schedule as she was still suffering from side effects.
“Even though I have made significant progress and been able to return to Washington, I am still experiencing side effects from the shingles virus. My doctors have advised me to work a lighter schedule when I return to the Senate,” she said in a statement.
Feinstein and her late husband, Richard Blum, bought a $16.5 million mansion in 2016 in the expensive Presidio neighborhood. It offers stunning views of San Francisco Bay.
The 9,500 square foot mansion features five bedrooms, three fireplaces, an elevator, a wine cellar and an in-law apartment. It was once owned by Star Wars creator George Lucas.
She held her Senate seat representing California for nearly 31 years.
She refused to withdraw but gave power of attorney to her daughter Katherine.
Dianne Feinstein’s home in San Francisco
Senator Dianne Feinstein on Capitol Hill in July before senators leave for August recess
Feinstein’s daughter Katherine (above) has power of attorney over her mother
Feinstein has faced calls to resign — even from fellow Democrats — amid his health issues and fears that his absence could delay President Joe Biden’s judges’ confirmations. She sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which holds confirmation hearings.
Several female lawmakers backed her, calling it sexist to ask Feinstein – a trailblazing lawmaker – to step down when many white men served in the Senate until their deaths.
But she stumbled in her time on Capitol Hill. At the end of July, she had to be told to “just say yes” when she voted for a defense bill during an armed forces markup.
When she was supposed to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’, she instead launched into a bizarre rant.
“I would like to support a ‘yes’ vote on this. It makes $823 billion…” she said. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., leaned over and whispered, “Just say yes.
– Yes, said Feinstein.
Feinstein has said she will not run again next year and several Democrats have already entered the primary to replace her, including three House Democrats: Representatives Barbara Lee, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff. Businessman Eric Early is running on the Republican side.
She is the fifth oldest person to serve in the Senate. Strom Thurmond, the Democratic segregationist turned Republican, was the oldest and longest serving senator ever: he was 100 when he retired in January 2003 after 48 years in office.
She’s also one of the richest: Feinstein is worth around $58 million, according to the Los Angeles Times. She was married to investment banker Richard Blum from 1980 until his death in 2022.
