FLASHBACK: Gavin Newsom vows to appoint black woman to fill Dianne Feinstein's seat

Following the death of Senator Dianne Feinstein, California Governor Gavin Newsom will be tasked with appointing her interim replacement.

Newsom has long vowed to nominate a black woman to fill the seat, with the California Democrat vowing to do such in 2021.

MSNBC’s Joy Reid asked Newsom whether he would commit to naming a black woman for the seat, with Newsom responding, "I have multiple names in mind. We have multiple names in mind — and the answer is yes."

Newsom recently echoed this sentiment, saying in an interview with Meet the Press in early September that he still would appoint a black woman to the role.

"We hope we never have to make this decision, but I abide by what I’ve said very publicly on a consistent basis," Newsom said. 

Newsom noted that he would not appoint someone who is currently running to fill Feinstein’s seat, the race for which began after Feinstein announced she wouldn’t seek reelection in February.

"It would be completely unfair to the Democrats that have worked their tail off. That primary is just a matter of months away. I don’t want to tip the balance of that," Newsom said in the interview.

One of those running for Feinstein’s seat in 2024 is Rep. Barbara Lee, who is a black woman.

"I am troubled by the Governor’s remarks. The idea that a Black woman should be appointed only as a caretaker to simply check a box is insulting to countless Black women across this country who have carried the Democratic Party to victory election after election," Lee wrote in a statement.

She added, "The perspective of Black women in the US Senate is sorely needed—and needed for more than a few months. Governor Newsom knows this, which is why he made the pledge in the first place."

"If the Governor intends to keep his promise and appoint a Black woman to the Senate, the people of California deserve the best possible person for that job. Not a token appointment. Black women deserve more than a participation trophy. We need a seat at the table."

The move is similar to the action taken by Biden after Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement, leading to the appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson.

"While I've been studying candidates' backgrounds and writings, I've made no decision except one: [the] person I will nominate will be some of the extraordinary qualifications, character, experience and integrity," Biden said.

"And that person will be the first black woman ever nominated to the United States Supreme Court. It's long overdue in my view. I made that commitment during the campaign for president."