Tuesday’s announcement by Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein that she will not run for reelection in 2024 marks the end to a remarkable political career that spanned six decades. It marked the end of an era in politics in which she broke down gender barriers and made a difference in political battles for reproductive rights and environmental protection.

Feinstein was first elected to Congress in 1992. She stated in a statement that her intention is to continue in Congress until the end of her term.

“Even though we have a divided Congress, it is possible to pass bills that will improve people’s lives. Each of us were sent here to solve problems. She said that this is what she has done for the past 30 years and what she plans to do for the next 2 years.

It was widely anticipated. Feinstein, who will turn 90 in June, is the oldest congressman. Recent years have seen questions raised about Feinstein’s cognitive health and memory. However, she has maintained her effectiveness as a representative of a state home to almost 40 million people.

In anticipation of Feinstein’s departure, a number of candidates began to form for the fierce campaign to replace Feinstein. The candidates include Democratic U.S. Rep. Katie Porter (a prominent member the party’s progressive wings who announced her candidacy in January) and Democratic U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (who has been campaigning all over the state).

Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, announced Feinstein’s decision at a closed-door lunch of Democratic senators at Capitol. The senators broke into applause rounds.

Feinstein shared with her colleagues the pain of her husband’s death and said that she was ready for a break from public life once this term was over, Senator Elizabeth Warren, D.Mass., stated afterward. Richard Blum, her husband, passed away last year.

“Senator Feinstein made history,” said Warren.

“She was the face of change in this country, she was a woman at the frontlines of fights like access to assault weapons and national security and intelligence.”

Warren stated that every other woman holding public office owes Dianne Feinstein a special debt.

Feinstein’s life was full of triumph and tragedy. She is a notable historical figure.

Feinstein was the first woman president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors during the 1970s. She also became the first female mayor of San Francisco, and was the first Californian woman elected to the U.S. Senate. She was also the first woman to lead the Senate Intelligence Committee, and she was the first woman elected to the Judiciary Committee as its top Democrat.

After the November 1978 assassinations by then-Mayor George Moscone, and then-City Supervisor Harvey Milk, she was elevated to the San Francisco mayoralty. She was assisted by Dan White, a former supervisor. Feinstein found Milk’s body.

In 1992, Feinstein was elected first to the Senate during the “Year of the Woman,” a period in which a group of newly elected female senators transformed the face of the chamber.

She was a pragmatic centrist during her three decades as a senator. She was well-known for reaching out and finding common ground with Republicans over the years. In recent years, her moderateness has been eroded by a more liberal state party.

The California Democratic Party supported a liberal candidate for her seat in her last campaign in 2018. Some delegates complained that Feinstein was too old and had not stood up for immigrants.

Feinstein wasn’t always welcomed by feminist movements, but her life experiences have shaped her outlook over the years.

She stated that she recognized the need for women to fight for their rights in 2005, when she spoke to The Associated Press.

Feinstein was known for her sharp mind and razor-sharp tongue. She was known for engaging in verbal zingers whenever she was challenged on issues that were dear to her heart. In recent years she has appeared confused when answering questions on signature issues. This angered liberals and was reflected in her embrace of Lindsey Graham (a Republican) and a public thank you to him for his work.

Liberal advocacy groups, which had fiercely opposed Barrett’s nomination to replace the late liberal icon Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, were furious and demanded that she resign from the leadership of the committee. She announced a month later that she would continue to serve on the Judiciary Committee, but she would resign as the top Democrat.

Feinstein has been associated for many years with the expansion of gun restrictions. The Senate approved Feinstein’s amendment to ban the manufacture and sale of certain types assault weapons in 1994, when President Bill Clinton signed it into law. The ban was repealed 10 years later, but it was still a key issue in a career that was heavily influenced by gun violence.