Media mogul Oprah Winfrey is reportedly being considered by Governor Gavin Newsom to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who is facing health concerns.

Feinstein, who recently returned to Washington following a 10-week absence due to shingles treatment, could leave her post voluntarily. 

The appointment of Winfrey would fulfill Newsom’s 2021 promise to appoint a Black woman to the position if it became vacant. 

The Associated Press suggests that Oprah’s appointment could be more of a temporary caretaker role until Feinstein’s replacement is elected in 2024. This move would also allow Newsom to avoid showing favoritism among the declared Democrat Senate candidates like U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Katie Porter, and Rep. Adam Schiff. 

Feinstein has said that she is not planning to step down from her position before her term ends in 2025.