Feinstein suffers from Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s office said Friday she’s suffering from Ramsay Hunt syndrome after a bout with shingles. The 89-year-old Democrat from California returned to the Capitol last week after a more than two-month absence. Her office said she was recovering from shingles and other complications. Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs when the shingles virus reaches a facial nerve and causes paralysis. Her office disclosed those complications after The New York Times speculated she’d had a stroke. Feinstein also said she’d suffered from brain swelling, which has resolved.

Is she fit for office? Feinstein’s aides said last week that she’s still recovering and will work a reduced schedule. She’s missed some votes where she wasn’t needed but has been present when the margin was slim. Some Democrats called for Feinstein to step down while she was out. She now says she won’t run for reelection in 2023.

Dig deeper: Read Emma Freire’s report in The Stew on a generational shift in Democratic leadership.