Reaction to Democratic U.S. Senator Feinstein's death

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Long-serving U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, a Washington trailblazer who served nearly 31 years in chamber, has died at 90, the California Democrat's office said in a statement on Friday.

Following are quotes from U.S. and state officials, and current and former members of Congress, following her death:

DEMOCRATIC U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, in a statement:

"Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend.

In San Francisco, she showed enormous poise and courage in the wake of tragedy, and became a powerful voice for American values. Serving in the Senate together for more than 15 years, I had a front row seat to what Dianne was able to accomplish.

It’s why I recruited her to serve on the Judiciary Committee when I was Chairman – I knew what she was made of, and I wanted her on our team.

There’s no better example of her skillful legislating and sheer force of will than when she turned passion into purpose, and led the fight to ban assault weapons.

Dianne made her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties.

She’s made history in so many ways, and our country will benefit from her legacy for generations."

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM, a Democrat, in a statement:

"Dianne Feinstein was many things - a powerful, trailblazing U.S. Senator, and early voice for gun control; a leader in times of tragedy and chaos. But to me, she was a dear friend, a lifelong mentor, and a role model not only for me but to my wife and daughters for what a powerful, effective leader looks like."

"She was a fighter -- for the city, the state and the country she loved. Every race she won, she made history, but her story wasn't just about being the first woman in a particular political office, it was what she did for California, and for America, with that power once she earned it."

"That's what she should be remembered for."

U.S. SENATE MAJORITY LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER, a New York Democrat, in remarks on the Senate floor:

"She would take on any force, any special interest, any opponent with relentless integrity, and would wear those opponents down until she succeeded. Again, her integrity just shone through them. And she won. And she won. And she won. And each time made the country a better place."

"Whenever she did something, she was often the first to do it."

"She was elected as the first woman president to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the first woman to serve as Mayor of San Francisco, the first woman to serve as U.S. senator for California, the first woman to chair both the Senate rules and intelligence committees, the first woman member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the list goes on and on."​

"Today there are 25 women serving in this chamber and every one of them would admit they stand on Dianne's shoulders...​ We look at that desk. We know what we have lost. But we also give thanks."

U.S. SENATE MAJORITY LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL, a Kentucky Republican, in remarks on the Senate floor:

"She was an incredibly effective person at every line, at every level, and she was at all of those levels all the way to the Senate."

"Those of us who were fortunate to call Dianne our colleague can say we served alongside the longest serving female senator in American history."

"Dianne was a trailblazer, and her beloved home state of California, and our entire nation are better for her dogged advocacy and diligent service."

HILLARY CLINTON, former U.S. senator, secretary of state and Democratic presidential nominee, on X:

"I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Dianne Feinstein. She blazed trails for women in politics and found a life's calling in public service. I'll miss her greatly as a friend and colleague and send my condolences to all who loved her."

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE NANCY PELOSI, a California Democrat and former House speaker, in a statement:

"For decades, Senator Feinstein was a pillar of public service in California - from San Francisco’s City Hall to the United States Capitol.

"Her indomitable, indefatigable leadership made a magnificent difference for our national security and personal safety, the health of our people and our planet, and the strength of our Democracy.

"Dianne was a pioneering woman leader, who served as San Francisco’s first female Mayor with unmatched courage, poise and grace ... she offered our City a beacon of strength and hope."

"It was a great honor to serve alongside Dianne for decades – from the hilly streets of San Francisco to the hallowed halls of Congress."

"We were not only colleagues, but neighbors and friends... Dianne’s extraordinary career will continue to inspire countless young women and girls to pursue public service for generations to come."

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE KATIE PORTER, a California Democrat, on the X social media platform:

"Senator Feinstein was a trailblazer for women in California politics, and her leadership on gun violence prevention and anti-torture made our nation more just. I wish her loved ones strength during this difficult time."

U.S. SENATOR CHRIS MURPHY, a Connecticut Democrat, on X:

"From 1994, when she passed the Assault Weapons Ban as a first term Senator, until the tragedy in Newtown, Dianne Feinstein was a lonely voice fighting against gun violence.

The modern anti-gun violence movement, now stronger than the gun lobby, would not exist but for Dianne."

U.S. SENATOR CHUCK GRASSLEY, an Iowa Republican, on X:

"Sen Feinstein did an outstanding job representing the ppl of California. I worked closely w her as a member of the drug caucus& judiciary cmte. During the time I was chair& she was ranking Democrat we had a wonderful working relationship She’s a true public servant I’ll miss her"

U.S. SENATOR TIM SCOTT, a South Carolina Republican and 2020 presidential candidate, on X:

"Saddened to learn of Senator Feinstein’s passing. A true trailblazer, she leaves behind a lasting legacy of service in the Senate. My prayers are with her family during this time of loss."

CLAIRE MCCASKELL, former Democratic U.S. senator from Missouri, to MSNBC:

Feinstein was "a giant in political history and such a trailblazer and mentor for thousands of women across this country and California".

"The Senate will miss her, but this country will miss her. She is going to be seen as a giant for the rest of history."

(This story has been refiled to add dropped letter from Senator Feinstein's first name in Newsom, McConnell quotes)

(Reporting by Makini Brice, David Morgan, Jasper Ward, Nandita Bose and Susan Heavey; Editing by Jan Harvey)