01 October 2023 , 20:27
775
0
Oprah Winfrey and Meghan Markle could reportedly go head to head in the race to replace Senator Dianne Feinstein.
Several outlets have suggested that Oprah's name has been mentioned as a contender for the role. Dianne's death was announced on Friday after she sadly passed away at the age of 90. The responsibility for appointing someone new to the position now falls to the Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom. He will select and appoint a successor to serve the remaining 13 months of Dianne's term.
Gavin has previously stated that he would look to appoint a black woman to the Senate should Dianne pass away.
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to .
Dianne Feinstein passed away on Friday aged 90 (AP)The Daily Mail reports sources told them that Meghan's name has been thrown in to the ring as a potential replacement. Meghan and Harry live in the Californian district of Montecito.
Oprah Winfrey snubs Harry and Meghan as expert claims 'the tide has turned'
A Democratic donor told the Mail: "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." Meanwhile a close friend of influential social activist Gloria Steinem has told the Mail how Meghan has formed a close friendship with her and has been meeting pivotal people in the party.
Harry and Meghan reside in California (GETTY)They said: "Gloria has been introducing Meghan to pivotal people within the party. Meghan is interested in politics more than anything else. That's where she believes her power is, but she has had to focus on making money."
However, Oprah's potential candidacy would require a change of heart by famed TV host, who denied having any interest in the position back in May. At the time she told the Los Angeles Times she "is not considering the seat should it become vacant."
Meanwhile pressure has been placed on Newsom to follow through with his promise to appoint a black woman to the office after Dianne's death. One of the state's most significant black women currently serving in elected office is Rep. Barbara Lee and many have already suggested she is the woman for the job.
However, Newsom caused a backlash when he suggested he would pick a caretaker for the role and not necessarily a future candidate. Meghan could well be considered for the job should she wish to put her name forward.