Read the tributes to Sen. Dianne Feinstein from leaders, lawmakers from California, US

Political leaders, lawmakers and organizations from Sacramento, California and the United States paid tribute Friday after U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, California’s longest-serving senator and the nation’s longest-serving female senator, died at the age of 90.

This list is being continuously updated as statements are made available. Here’s what they had to say:

President Joe Biden

“Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend.

“In San Francisco, she showed enormous poise and courage in the wake of tragedy, and became a powerful voice for American values. Serving in the Senate together for more than 15 years, I had a front row seat to what Dianne was able to accomplish. It’s why I recruited her to serve on the Judiciary Committee when I was Chairman – I knew what she was made of, and I wanted her on our team. There’s no better example of her skillful legislating and sheer force of will than when she turned passion into purpose, and led the fight to ban assault weapons. Dianne made her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties. She’s made history in so many ways, and our country will benefit from her legacy for generations.

“Often the only woman in the room, Dianne was a role model for so many Americans – a job she took seriously by mentoring countless public servants, many of whom now serve in my Administration. She had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors. Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, but she was also a kind and loyal friend, and that’s what Jill and I will miss the most.

“As we mourn with her daughter Katherine and the Feinstein family, her team in the Senate, and the people of California, we take comfort that Dianne is reunited again with her beloved Richard. May God Bless Dianne Feinstein.”

Vice President Kamala Harris

“Senator Dianne Feinstein was one of the greatest public servants that California and our nation has ever known.

“As the first woman president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the first woman to serve as mayor of San Francisco, and the longest-tenured woman to serve in the United States Senate, Dianne Feinstein broke barriers, inspired generations of women to run for office, and improved the lives of millions of Americans through her vision, courage, and leadership.

“From her work to help pass the Assault Weapons Ban in 1994, to her work to safeguard California’s public lands, and her longstanding advocacy for reproductive rights, marriage equality, and LGBTQ+ rights, Senator Feinstein helped build a better America.

“For years, I witnessed Senator Feinstein’s leadership, when the cameras were on and when they were off. In 2008, when I was re-elected District Attorney of San Francisco, it was Senator Feinstein who swore me in. As a United States Senator, it was my honor to serve the people of California alongside Senator Feinstein.

“On the Senate Intelligence Committee, we spent a great deal of time together — in classified, bipartisan briefings and hearings — working on issues critical to America’s national security and the stability of the world. Senator Feinstein and I shared a fundamental belief in the importance of strong American leadership. And I saw firsthand how she worked courageously to ensure that our leadership was guided by our nation’s values.

“In the tradition of so many great Senators from California, she was not only a leader for our state, but for our nation and our world. Through her long career, Senator Feinstein worked across the aisle to help our nation live up to its promise.

“Doug and I send our prayers to Senator Feinstein’s family.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom

“Dianne Feinstein was many things — a powerful, trailblazing U.S. Senator; an early voice for gun control; a leader in times of tragedy and chaos. But to me, she was 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.

“She was a political giant, whose tenacity was matched by her grace. She broke down barriers and glass ceilings, but never lost her belief in the spirit of political cooperation. And she was a fighter — for the city, the state and the country she loved. Every race she won, she made history, but her story wasn’t just about being the first woman in a particular political office, it was what she did for California, and for America, with that power once she earned it. That’s what she should be remembered for.

“There is simply nobody who possessed the strength, gravitas, and fierceness of Dianne Feinstein. Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by her passing, and we will mourn with her family in this difficult time.”

Sen. Alex Padilla

“I’ve said it before: you can’t tell the story of California — or American politics — without the trailblazing career of Senator Dianne Feinstein.

“A champion, an icon, and most importantly, a friend — Dianne will be dearly missed. Angela and I are keeping the Feinstein family in our prayers.”

Former Gov. Jerry Brown

“Dianne Feinstein was a wonderful friend of the Brown family. I got to know her well over the years and came to deeply appreciate her intensity, devotion to duty and unfailing solicitude for her friends. Dianne was utterly unique and set the bar for those who follow.”

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg

“Senator Diane Feinstein was an incredible leader! I had the privilege of working closely with her when I led the State Senate. We worked together on California’s water challenges and much more. Sen. Feinstein was always kind, to me and always driven to get results.

“One story sticks out. She talked to me many times when I led the state Senate about introducing legislation to protect small businesses from frivolous lawsuits brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act. I told her I would work on it and fully intended to do so.

“Before I could get started, I got a call from a reporter asking me to confirm that I was introducing such a bill., since Sen. Feinstein had announced that I was. I laughed. Any other politician, I would have said ‘What the heck?’ But she was not another politician. She was Senator Diane Feinstein. I respected her and her commitment so much that I only had one choice. I happily introduced the bill and got it passed.

“Being with her was unlike being with most other politicians. She was driven, and she was always on. She taught me that there’s no substitute for hard work, there is no substitute for caring, there is no substitute for digging deep on something that matters. There is no substitute for never giving up and never giving in. That’s the legacy that Dianne Feinstein leaves to this country and to this state.

“Diane Feinstein was a remarkable leader whose legacy will live on in California and the nation.”

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York

“Earlier this morning, we lost a giant in the senate. Senator Dianne Feinstein was one of the most amazing people who ever graced the Senate, who ever graced the country. She had so many amazing, wonderful qualities wrapped up in one incredible human being. She was smart, she was strong, she was brave, she was compassionate.

“But maybe the trait that stood out most of us was her amazing integrity. Her integrity was a diamond. Her integrity shone like a beacon across the Senate and across the country for tall to see and hopefully emulate. Dianne Feinstein would typically say when you asked her how was she voting on something, let me study this issue before taking a position. Let me go home and read on it. And when she came back, if she believed the cause of the vote was right and vital to many issues she cared about, she not only voting for it, there was no stopping her from getting it done.

“She would take on any force, any special interest, any opponent with relentless integrity and would wear those opponents down until she succeeded. Again, her integrity just shone through them — shone through them and she won and she won and she won and each time made the country a better place.

“I saw this up close when she passed the assault weapons ban, a passion of hers after what happened in California. The NRA was a relentless and often mean-spirited and chauvinistic faux. They didn’t scare her. They didn’t stop her, and they failed against her. Like most of her opponents, they failed against her. Her perseverance, her strength and most of all her integrity shone through. ...

“She’s in a class of her own. Of course, it wasn’t just the assault weapons ban she fought for. She protected oversight authority during the investigation into U.S. torture, fighting for climate justice, fighting for marriage equality, fighting for reproductive justice. The list goes on and on. As chair of the intelligence committee, Dianne fought for what was right, even if it was hard and difficult and took months and years to dig in and find out what actually went wrong.

“She never stopped. She took on the CIA and asserted Congress’s oversight authority during the investigation into the United States use of torture. And through all of her accomplishments, this one and others, she always displayed the quintessential grace, no one rattled her.

“I remember a few years back when a particularly nasty senator tried to put Senator Feinstein down in a condescending, many would say chauvinistic way. She reacted not defensively but with integrity, and within three minutes she put this colleague in his place, and by the end of it, everyone in the room on both sides of the aisle were smiling. That was Dianne to a T, powerful, prepared, unflappable. She had to be.

“Whenever she did something, she was often the first to do it. She was elected as the first woman president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the first woman to serve as mayor of San Francisco, the first woman to serve as U.S. senator of California, the first woman to serve the intelligence committee. And the list goes on and on and on.

“Our nation will be forever thankful to Dianne Feinstein for the accomplishments she fought for. I too am personally indebted to Dianne, not just as a colleague, which of course I am in so many ways as a colleague, but as a friend and a father of two daughters.

“Dianne’s work extended far beyond the United States Senate floor as she gave a voice, a platform being a leader to women throughout the country for decades.

“She didn’t just push down doors closed for women, she held them open for generations of women who followed her. ... She gave a voice, a platform, a model for women across the country who aspire to roles in leadership, in public service who want to leave their own mark on the world, who want to make this country a better place for others.

“Today there are 25 women serving in this chamber and every one of them would admit they stand on Dianne’s shoulders. So Dianne’s impact extended far beyond the Senate floor and far beyond politics itself.

“So today we grieve. We look at that desk and we know what we have lost. But we also give thanks — thanks to someone to brave, to graceful of presence served in — that someone like that served in this chamber for so many years.

“In closing, let me just say this. The sign of after leader is someone — of a leader is someone who dedicates the whole of their spirit for a cause greater than themselves, the sign of a hero is someone who fights for others, who endures for others, no matter the cost, no matter the odds, and a sign of a friend is someone who stands by your side to fight the good fight on the good days and on the bad. Dianne Feinstein was all of this and more, friend, a hero for so many, a leader who changed America for the better.

“As the nation mourns this tremendous loss, we know how many lives she impacted and how many class ceilings she shattered along the way — shattered along the way. America is a better place because of Senator Dianne Feinstein. Today I join with my colleagues in mourning our beloved friend and colleague.”

Senate President Pro Tem Patty Murray, D-Wash.

“Mr. President, yesterday, the senior senator from California came onto the floor through those doors to do her job. She voted. She voted to make sure that our country would continue to move forward and not shut down.

“That was Dianne. She did her job every day.

“She cared about her country. She cared about her state. She cared about doing a job, no matter how tough it is, for the future of America. And she did it with dignity and respect every single minute.

“Today, you will hear accolades from across the country. Lists of her legislative accomplishments, from her early days all the way through her career.

“What I just want to say today — it is a true loss to America. It is a loss to her family—my heart is with you.

“It is a loss to her colleagues from California, who have served with her and know her as I do—as a tower of strength.

“To our colleagues on the floor who have worked with her on a laundry list of legislation that you will hear about, and that is way too long to list today.

“To her constituents, you need to know: we depended on her, just as you did. And she was here every day to fight for you — no matter what.

“She fought for women. She fought for those who were victims of gun violence. She fought for foreign policy that was remote to most people, but she knew every detail.

“And when Dianne spoke, the rest of us stopped, and we listened.”

House Speaker Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield

“Moments ago, the flags over the Capitol were lowered in memory of Senator Dianne Feinstein. As California’s longest-serving senator, Senator Feinstein broke barriers and blazed a trail for women. Her career was by any standards historic.

“Speaking personally, I worked with the senator for quite some time, together on many different bills, but the one that I think stands out was our water legislation. It was historic. It was the first time in California history in more than 25 years that we were able to pass water. It was the WIIN Act.

“And I remember the hours and the nights that we would have to work to try to work through, and the challenges — we come from different parties, we have different philosophies, but we put our state first. At the same time, Barbara Boxer opposed it. It was one of the last votes in the Senate that had more than 70 votes at the time.

“And I believe at the end of the day, the trailblazing of the first woman elected mayor, even coming from a different party, inspired women from both sides of the aisle to seek elected office and to have their voices heard. My deepest condolences to her family, her colleagues and to her staff.”

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco and House speaker emerita

“Paul, my daughter Nancy Corinne and I were heartbroken to learn of the passing of our dear friend Dianne Feinstein. For decades, Senator Feinstein was a pillar of public service in California: from San Francisco’s City Hall to the United States Capitol. Her indomitable, indefatigable leadership made a magnificent difference for our national security and personal safety, the health of our people and our planet, and the strength of our Democracy.

“Dianne was a pioneering woman leader, who served as San Francisco’s first female Mayor with unmatched courage, poise and grace. Standing strong amid horror and heartbreak – from the brutal murders of Harvey Milk and George Moscone to the deadly HIV/AIDS epidemic – she offered our City a beacon of strength and hope.

“In the United States Senate, she was a champion for the Golden State: bringing home billions of federal dollars while defending our state’s natural wonders. Blazing trails as the first woman to lead the powerful Intelligence Committee, she bolstered America’s moral standing and national security with her fierce opposition to the use of torture. On the Judiciary Committee, she authored and passed the Federal Assault Weapons Ban, which helped stem the tide of mass shootings for the ten years it was law and continued urging its renewal as an essential template for ending gun violence. A fierce champion for gender justice, her tireless advocacy was consequential in securing the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

“Personally, it was a great honor to serve alongside Dianne for decades – from the hilly streets of San Francisco to the hallowed halls of Congress. We were not only colleagues, but neighbors and friends. My daughter, Nancy Corinne, has long been an admirer and devoted friend of Senator Feinstein, and we were all close friends with her and her late husband, Richard.

“Dianne’s extraordinary career will continue to inspire countless young women and girls to pursue public service for generations to come. May it be a comfort to her daughter Katherine and her husband Rick, her granddaughter Eileen, and the entire Feinstein family that all Americans joins them in mourning at this sad time.”

Former Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Dianne Feinstein. She blazed trails for women in politics and found a life’s calling in public service. I’ll miss her greatly as a friend and colleague and send my condolences to all who loved her.”

Rep. Ami Bera, D-Elk Grove

“For the past several decades, California has been blessed by the public service and leadership of Senator Diane Feinstein.

“Senator Feinstein’s trailblazing career inspired multiple generations to take action against violence and injustice in the United States and around the world. She has left a legacy that will serve as the standard for Californians and all Americans to strive for. My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Feinstein’s family and close friends at this time.”

Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento

“I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend Dianne Feinstein. Dianne was a trailblazer, a giant of California politics, and one of the most brilliant legislative minds we have ever known. She was a champion for equality and a fighter who unwaveringly spoke truth to power.

“Her work empowered the most marginalized and underrepresented Americans. She broke down barriers everywhere she went, but it was her monumental achievements and ability to deliver results that redefined effective leadership. A relentless champion of gun safety, LGBTQIA+ rights, the environment, and women’s rights — Dianne was always focused on tackling the nation’s toughest problems. Yet, through it all, she brought her distinctive grace, compassion, and brilliance to every room she entered. Dianne was a special person, an extraordinary American, and I was lucky to call her a close friend.

“We all owe Senator Dianne Feinstein a debt of gratitude for her public service to our country. My prayers are with all of her family and friends during this difficult time. Dianne will truly be missed.”

Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove

“Dianne Feinstein was a titan of the Senate and her passing is an incalculable loss to California, the Senate, and the country. Though we disagreed on much, I always found her approachable, reasonable and sincere. She was instrumental in advancing desperately needed forest management reforms, even when it meant bucking strident voices on the left. Her presence will be keenly missed, but her example will live on.”

Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin

“Dianne Feinstein dedicated her life to public service and leaves a legacy without comparison in the history of California. Her passing is a profound loss for our state and our country. My prayers are with her family and loved ones.”

Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno

“Senator Dianne Feinstein was a patriot and an incredible champion for the people of California. As California’s longest-serving and first female senator, she was a fighter and a trailblazer for women across California and the nation. We worked together to improve California’s water infrastructure, expand access to healthcare, and modernize our transportation systems. She made a difference every day during her long tenure in public service.”

“It’s a sad day for the people of California and for our nation. Dianne was my friend and a mentor to me for over 33 years, I will miss her. May she rest in peace — there is no one like Dianne.”

Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Fontana, House Democratic Caucus Chairman

“Today California lost a champion and the United States Congress lost one of its most prolific leaders.

“Senator Dianne Feinstein devoted her life to public service and to the betterment of all Californians. She was thrown into the fire when she became Mayor of San Francisco and led with grace and a steely nerve ever since, making a lasting and meaningful difference in our golden state. Her work to defend abortion and LGBTQ rights and protect our children from the horrors of gun violence was a testament to California’s values. I will always remember her deep understanding of the nuances of policy and local funding in the Inland Empire, and our region owes so much to her stewardship.

“As the first woman Senator from California, her legacy has raised the bar for future leaders in our state. The entire House Democratic Caucus, especially our California delegation, extends our condolences to the Feinstein family. May we all work to carry her legacy forward.”

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank

“Today, the nation has truly lost a giant of the U.S. Senate, California has lost its trail-blazing leader, and I lost a real friend and mentor. Senator Dianne Feinstein was one of the finest legislators we have ever seen, and her accomplishments made our country and world a better place.

“The Senator’s legacy is unmatched.

“Senator Feinstein single-handedly pushed an assault weapons ban over the finish line, and never gave up her fight to end gun violence. She fought powerful agencies to investigate and uncover torture – and made sure it would never happen again. She helped protect California’s natural beauty and preserve its lands for generations. And she always fought for LGBTQ rights and women’s equality throughout her career.

“My thoughts are with Senator Feinstein’s friends, family, and staff at this time, and my heart goes out to them. California and all its citizens are truly indebted to the Senator and her family for her decades of service. We are all better off for her dogged pursuit of policies that made our country a better union.”

Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland

“California lost a trailblazer and a giant today. Senator Feinstein broke glass ceilings for women in politics and fought fearlessly for safer communities free of gun violence. My deepest condolences go out to her family and loved ones.

“This a monumental day of loss, but Senator Feinstein’s work continues and her legacy lives on. May she rest in peace.”

Rep. Katie Porter, D-Irvine

“Senator Feinstein was a trailblazer for women in California politics, and her leadership on gun violence prevention and anti-torture made our nation more just. I wish her loved ones strength during this difficult time.”

State Senate Leader Toni Atkins, D-San Diego

“California — and our nation – has lost an incredible leader who dedicated her career and life to public service, and opened doors for women in politics. We are fortunate to have benefited from Senator Feinstein’s courage, strength, and governance for so many years — her legacy is one of a class few can hope to match.”

State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco

“Dianne Feinstein was a true giant. She helped save our city, becoming Mayor after horrific political assassinations & leading us during the worst of the HIV/AIDS health disaster. As our Senator she led on gun safety & so many issues.

“There will never be another Dianne Feinstein.”

State Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose

“Senator Dianne Feinstein was a trailblazing leader who positively changed our state and nation in many ways. She demonstrated her deep commitment to the Bay Area by taking an instrumental role in preserving the San Francisco Bay through the creation and expansion of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a critical wetland area.

“Senator Feinstein was also instrumental in bringing BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to San Jose. Following the tragic deaths of San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone, Senator Feinstein’s resolute leadership reinforced her reputation as a courageous and compassionate icon. Her subsequent work in advancing gun control and public safety has protected many lives.

“Pattie and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Senator Feinstein’s family.”

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City

“Senator Feinstein led a distinguished career of public service to California. While we didn’t always agree, she had a remarkable ability to reach across the aisle to deliver results for her constituents. That’s something we need more of. Senator Feinstein and her family are in my prayers as California grieves the loss of an icon.”

California Attorney General Rob Bonta

“Senator Feinstein was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, and her passing is a great loss to many, including the people of California whom she dedicated her life to serving.

“From her time as Mayor of San Francisco, where she brought the city together in the wake of tragedy; to her selfless service in the Senate, where she led the fight to ban assault weapons and protect our environment, her leadership was second to none. That’s what she will be remembered for, not just to our great state, but to communities across this country.

“During this difficult time, I send my deepest condolences to her loved ones, including her daughter Katherine and her entire family, as well as her team in the Senate.”

Equality California

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein, a trailblazer and tireless advocate for equality and justice. Senator Feinstein devoted her life to serving the people of California and our nation, championing LGBTQ+ civil rights, reproductive freedom, gun safety reform and democracy throughout her remarkable career.

“Senator Feinstein stood with our community back when few others did, fighting for funding and action to combat the AIDS crisis when most elected officials chose to look away. Her work from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to the United States Senate transformed our state and our nation for the better.

“On the Board of Supervisors and then as Mayor, she played a crucial role in uniting San Francisco after the horrific assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone, demonstrating exceptional leadership and compassion at a time when our LGBTQ+ community needed it most.

“Now, as we mourn her loss, our community joins Senator Feinstein’s family, friends and loved ones in honoring her extraordinary legacy.”

California Legislative Women’s Caucus

“Dianne Feinstein was a true trailblazer for women in California and U.S. politics. Her remarkable breakthroughs included being elected California’s first woman U.S. Senator, San Francisco’s first female mayor, the first female major-party candidate for California governor, and last year, the longest-tenured woman senator in U.S. history.

“We thank her for being the only member of Congress or Senate to get a weapons ban signed into law, the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act to protect us from domestic violence and sexual assault. We will also honor and remember Senator Feinstein for her stellar record on protecting and expanding abortion access and safeguarding our environment, especially California’s desert treasures. She was a true political giant.”

San Francisco Mayor London Breed

“Dianne Feinstein was an icon and a trailblazer. She was a fierce, unrelenting champion for our City, our State, and Country. As Mayor of San Francisco, she bravely led us out of dark, difficult times, lifting the spirits and hopes of many who felt lost in the wake of tragedy.

“As the first woman to serve as Mayor, she showed everyone growing up in this City, including me, what could be accomplished by a strong and determined leader. Dianne Feinstein didn’t just break glass ceilings. She opened up new horizons.

“As Senator, she fought for the health, safety, and prosperity of everyone in California and the United States.

“She was a fierce and principled national leader who never backed down from a fight, and worked across divisions to bring people together and make meaningful change.

“My sympathies and prayers go out to her entire family and all San Franciscans who loved and admired her. Her dedication to public service was only exceeded by her love for San Francisco, and this City loved her back.

“Her legacy as one of San Francisco’s true leaders will be admired for generations to come.

“Simply put, there will never be another Dianne Feinstein.”

Jodi Hicks, president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California

“On behalf of Planned Parenthood in California, and really all Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country, I extend our deepest condolences to the Senator’s family, friends, staff, and all who she inspired. Planned Parenthood has nothing but profound gratitude and appreciation for Senator Feinstein’s decades of service and leadership, and certainly the trailblazing path she created for women in politics. Senator Feinstein was a steadfast champion for California and showed the nation what it meant to lead with principle and purpose.

“Over the years, she stood strongly alongside Planned Parenthood, providers, and patients to protect the right of women and others to control their bodies and make decisions about their futures. For that, Planned Parenthood, and so many others, our deeply grateful. She leaves behind a true legacy to be honored and admired by all.”

Flo Cofer, epidemiologist candidate for Sacramento mayor

“My condolences to the friends and family of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a trailblazer who witnessed the horrors of gun violence firsthand and fought for a nationwide assault weapons ban. It saddens me that, once again, a leader died in office instead of having an intentional transition that allowed her the dignity in death she deserved and afforded her successor the benefit of her mentorship.”

Richard Pan, former legislator and candidate for Sacramento mayor

“Mourning the passing of @SenFeinstein. Grateful for her decades of service to #California & the American People. Senator Feinstein was a trailblazer who broke countless barriers as a woman in politics, & I will be forever thankful for her remarkable legacy.”

Steve Hansen, former city councilmember and candidate for Sacramento mayor

“This is a huge loss for California. Sen. Feinstein was a profile in courage from the killing of Milk & Moscone to her leadership on gun control & more. She was a hero. My condolences to her family, her staff, and all who loved her.”