Rumors have been swirling that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, could potentially fill the vacant Senate seat left by Dianne Feinstein. While this speculation should be taken with a grain of salt, it is an intriguing possibility that has caught the attention of many. The speculation stems from a report in the Daily Mail, a UK outlet, which claimed that “phones lit up” over the weekend with chatter about Meghan potentially being tapped for the position.
According to the Daily Mail, an anonymous Democrat donor stated that while Meghan’s appointment may be a long shot, it is not entirely outside the realm of possibility, especially in these unpredictable times. The outlet also reported that Meghan has privately expressed her political ambitions and even met with Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, about a potential U.S. Senate appointment back in 2020 when Kamala Harris’ seat was left vacant. However, Newsom ultimately chose someone else for the position.
The situation has changed since then, and it seems that Meghan’s chances of being appointed as an interim Senator have increased. This is due to Newsom’s own words and commitments. In the past, when concerns over Feinstein’s health first arose, Newsom publicly pledged to appoint a Black woman to fill her seat in the event of retirement or other circumstances, such as her sudden passing. He reiterated this commitment in a recent interview, stating that he would select a Black woman who has not already announced her plans to run for the seat in the next election cycle in November 2024.
Newsom’s rationale for this approach is that several high-profile Democratic politicians have already expressed their desire to run for the seat in the upcoming election. By appointing one of them now, he could be seen as favoring a particular candidate. Instead, he wants to appoint a figurehead, specifically a Black woman, to hold the seat temporarily while the real candidates take center stage next year. This type of caretaker appointment was criticized by Rep. Barbara Lee, one of the leading Democratic candidates for the seat, who found it patronizing and insulting to Black women.
However, such a situation could be precisely what Meghan needs to launch her career in politics. Being in the national spotlight for about 13 months as a Senator could provide her with the exposure and experience necessary for future endeavors. It is worth noting that Meghan has been working with a PR company that was once tied to Michelle Obama, further fueling speculation that she is considering a life in politics.
While Meghan’s potential candidacy raises many questions, one important aspect to consider is the opinion of her husband, Prince Harry. It is known that he supports Meghan in all her endeavors, so if she were genuinely interested in pursuing a Senate seat, he would likely be on board. The other question is how the people of California would react to having Senator Markle. This is an uncertainty that can only be answered if and when Meghan announces her candidacy.
It is important to note that we have reached out to Meghan’s team for comment, but as of now, there has been no response. Only time will tell if Meghan Markle will embark on a political journey and trade her royal title for a Senate seat in California. It certainly is an intriguing possibility that has captivated the attention of many across the nation.