Sen. Dianne Feinstein hospitalized for treatment of shingles

March 2, 2023

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) revealed on Thursday that she was admitted to the hospital for treatment of shingles.

"I was diagnosed over the February recess with a case of shingles. I have been hospitalized and am receiving treatment in San Francisco and expect to make a full recovery. I hope to return to the Senate later this month," Feinstein confirmed.

The aging senator has already announced plans to give up her long-held seat in the upper chamber in time for the next election as concerns for her health grow.

Feinstein has been notably absent within recent months, missing a number of votes and committee hearings as her health deteriorates.

The news of her hospitalization -- in conjunction with another prominent hospitalization, that of Sen. John Fetterman's (D-PA) and other temporary absences -- brings the technically Dem-controlled Senate to a deadlock.

Vice President Kamala Harris will act as the tie-breaker until the missing senators return.