As Gov. Gavin Newsom deliberated this weekend over who he will appoint to the Senate following the death Friday of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, supporters of Rep. Barbara Lee campaigned on her behalf and the governor’s staff worked to

fight

criticism that he will choose a short-term caretaker for the coveted post.

“If that person decides she wants to pursue a full term in 2024, then she is free to do so. There is absolutely no litmus test, no promise, Newsom spokesman Anthony York told The Times on Sunday.

However, mounting a successful statewide campaign just six months before the March primary, while other candidates have been raising money all year, would be a huge challenge. While the incumbent is a powerful force in elections, there is no guarantee that Newsom’s appointee will be a viable candidate.

The Democratic governor promised to appoint a Black woman in 2021 if Feinstein’s seat became vacant. But he has come under fire since announcing plans to make it an “interim appointment” earlier this month.

Newsom said it wouldn’t be fair to pick anyone to run in the 2024 race that is already underway. But Lee and her supporters said Newsom should pick her as the most prominent black candidate.

Lee, of Oakland, is one of three Democratic members of Congress entering the race. The others are representatives. Katie Porter of Irvine and Adam B. Schiff of Burbank, who are white. The U.S. Senate has not included Black women since California Sen. Kamala Harris resigned in 2021 to become vice president.

Since Feinstein died Friday, Lee’s supporters have waged an aggressive campaign calling on Newsom to change his position and attack her.

“The most qualified person on day one to fill Senator Dianne Feinstein’s legacy is none other than Congresswoman Barbara Lee,” Steven Horsford, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said in an interview with MSNBC on Sunday.

The caucus too sent Newsom a letter He advocated for Lee, and Horsford said he spoke to Newsom about it by phone and in person.

“We ask him to understand the timing of this appointment not only for the people of California, but for the people of the United States,” Horsford said.

With the Democrats’ slim majority in the Senate, Newsom is under pressure to make his choice

fast.