California's Feinstein to face Democratic challenger in 2018

Oct. 15 (UPI) -- California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, one of the longest-serving members of the U.S. Senate, will face a Democratic challenger next year.

In an email to supporters Sunday, State Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León announced he will take on the longtime senator in next year's party primary. De León, 50, indicated that Feinstein has not done enough to counter the Trump administration and presented himself as one who would fight for progressive values.

"We now stand at the front lines of a historic struggle for the very soul of America, against a President without one," de León said in a video statement. "Every day, his administration wages war on our people and our progress. He disregards our voices, demonizes our diversity, attacks our civil rights, our clean air, our health access and our public safety. We can lead the fight against his administration, but only if we jump into the arena together."

Feinstein, 84, has represented California in the Senate since 1992. When she announced her re-election bid last week, she was almost immediately met with endorsements from some of California's most prominent politicians -- like Sen. Kamala Harris, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Sen. Barbra Boxer.

Last Tuesday, though, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti spoke in support of Feinstein's re-election at a fundraiser in Beverly Hills.

Along with being one of the longest-serving senators, Feinstein is one of the wealthiest and is able to fund her own campaign.

"It will be David and Goliath...I'm under no illusion," de León told Politico.