One of the reasons that Democrats are so worried about the California recall election is that it could tip the balance of power in the United States Senate.

Dianne Feinstein is very old and if she retires, the governor of California will be able to appoint her replacement.

If that governor is Larry Elder, he will appoint a Republican.

FOX News reports:

Larry Elder says he would replace Dianne Feinstein with a Republican if he wins California recall election

Larry Elder, a gubernatorial candidate in California’s Gavin Newsom recall election, said he would replace U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat, with a Republican – if Elder becomes governor and Feinstein were to step down during his term.

“God forbid Gov. Elder should replace Dianne Feinstein who nobody’s seen in weeks,” Elder told Mark Levin on his radio show Friday. “I’m told she has a worse mental condition than even Joe Biden. They’re afraid I’m would replace her with a Republican — which I most certainly would do and that would be an earthquake in Washington D.C.”

Feinstein, now 88 years old, has served in the Senate since the early 1990s and says she has no plans to step down despite some Democrats hoping she would. A New Yorker piece that came out last year reported House Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and others had been concerned about her memory and ability to focus, especially during the Justice Amy Coney Barrett confirmation hearings. Feinstein balked at the criticism.

If Elder were to become governor and Feinstein were to retire, Republicans would be able to retake control of the Senate (currently split 50-48, with two independents caucusing with the Democrats to even the divide). Vice President Kamala Harris, as president of the Senate, breaks ties.

Democrats are really worried about this.