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Prominent Republicans, including Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, indicated their intent to block any replacement for Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee if the need arose.

In the short term, a vacant seat may impede Democrats' ability to swiftly confirm lower-court nominees. 

Even in the event of a Supreme Court justice's death, Democrats could force a full vote on a potential Biden nominee, as seen in the case of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Schumer utilized a procedural maneuver to advance Jackson's nomination out of the committee, ultimately securing her confirmation to the Supreme Court.

Next Steps in California

In the state of California, the process for selecting Feinstein's replacement is complex. Californians will cast their votes four times next year to determine the future of one U.S. Senate seat.

Since Feinstein passed away more than 148 days ahead of the next scheduled primary, California will conduct a special election primary and call a special election to fill a portion of Feinstein's term, ending in 2025.

California employs a "jungle primary" system, where the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, compete in the general election.

 Three prominent Democrats had already entered the race to secure a full term: Barbara Lee, along with her House Democratic colleagues Reps. Adam Schiff and Katie Porter. Schiff had been leading the field before Feinstein's death. 

A former chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Schiff gained national prominence during the first impeachment of President Trump while serving as one of the House managers. He was instrumental in pushing the now-proven false narrative that Trump was working with the Russians to win his election.

His campaign boasts an impressive $29.8 million in funding. Porter, mentored by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, gained attention during the Trump administration for her rigorous questioning of top officials, often using a whiteboard to make her point.

On the Republican side, James Bradley, a corporate executive, is the leading candidate, while some within the GOP have encouraged former Los Angeles Dodgers legend Steve Garvey to consider running.