Meghan Markle to Run for Dianne Feinstein’s Seat?

There have long been whisperings about Meghan Markle’s alleged political aspirations. Now, the Mail on Sunday reports, phones “lit up” within minutes of 90-year-old California Senator Dianne Feinstein’s death with speculation that Meghan “could throw her hat in the ring to serve out the remaining 13 months of Feinstein’s term.”

The paper says Meghan would be “a long-shot replacement,” but in American politics—as Donald Trump’s continued presence and dominance within the Republican Party reveals—anything is possible.

A major Democratic donor who is close to Californian Governor Gavin Newsom—who will choose Feinstein’s replacement until the next election is held in November 2024—told the paper: “Meghan is definitely a long-shot, but in the craziness that is US politics these days it’s not an impossibility. Crazier things have happened.” Oprah Winfrey’s name has also reportedly been floated.

A source told the Mail on Sunday that Newsom had pledged to replace Feinstein with a Black woman, saying:

“The problem he now faces is that all the best candidates have already announced they will be running for Feinstein’s seat in November 2024, the next election. Governor Newsom cannot elect any of those candidates to the position now as it would be seen as a huge, and very unfair, advantage. If he puts any of the very good Black women candidates in the job now he will be accused of favoritism. So he needs to find a woman of color who can do the job for 13 months and will agree to not stand against any of the seasoned politicians who have already thrown their hats into the ring. There are not that many women who fit the bill. Which is why Meghan’s name is being bandied about.”

Meghan has provided a powerful voice on issues she feels strongly about. In 2022, in conversation with Gloria Steinem in Vogue, Meghan said the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade was “a blueprint for reversing rights. The ruling is a signal about the future of same-sex marriage, contraception access, and many fundamental rights to privacy. It feels like the tip of the iceberg and is part of why people feel so scared.”

Asked if women’s rights were an issue she wanted to tackle, Meghan said, “Absolutely. Being home, seeing what’s happening in our country and feeling energized and motivated, if this is the type of legislation that we need pushed through, then this is a moment that I am absolutely going to show up for. Not just because it’s what we need as women, but it’s what we need as people.”

Her husband Prince Harry’s reaction, she added, “was guttural, like mine. I know that for so many women right now, there is a sentiment of despair. But again, we have to band together and not wallow. We have to do the work.”

Not all are signed up to Meghan taking on Feinstein’s mantle. One senior source Democratic Party source told the Mail on Sunday: “I don’t think you can take Meghan seriously.”