Fifth House Democrat calls on Feinstein to resign

The fifth House Democrat on Friday called on Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) will resign her seat after she returns to Washington after a long absence due to shingles.

Rep. Ritchie Torres (DN.Y.) argued that lawmakers should resign if they become “a shadow of your former self.”

“I think if you’re a member, and you’ve become a shadow of your former self, you should resign,” Torres told Insider this week, calling on Feinstein to step down for the first time. “If you are no longer the best person to represent your state, you have a duty to move on.”

Torress joined Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (DN.Y.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) called on Feinstein to leave the upper chamber.

Feinstein, 89, had a distinguished 30-year career in the Senate but in recent years has come under scrutiny for her mental acumen and, in recent months, her ability to carry out her senatorial duties. .

The New York Times reported recently that on top of shingles, Feinstein is suffering from complications that include encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that can cause memory problems, increased confusion and trouble walking. , and other things.

Feinstein returned to the Capitol earlier this month weaker and needed a wheelchair to get around the Senate. At one point, he seemed to forget he was away from Washington while speaking to reporters after his return.

His office said in a statement upon his return that his doctors recommended he continue a light schedule as he continues to recover.

The California Democrat has steadfastly refused to resign, with other prominent Democrats siding with him, including Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (DN.Y.), former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Feinstein announced in February that she would retire at the end of her term.

A spokeswoman for Feinstein declined to immediately comment on Torres’ remarks.