Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif), who is expected to make a decision on running for reelection soon, has re-invigorated her critics this year due to her early support for President Donald Trump's nominees and skepticism of single-payer health care. | Getty Feinstein 'close' to announcing reelection bid

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) says she is “close” to announcing a reelection campaign — the 84-year-old's firmest suggestion yet that she will seek a fifth full term in the Senate.

“I’m ready for a good fight,” Feinstein told NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” in an interview airing Sunday. “I’m in a position where I can be effective, and hopefully that means something to California.”


Told by NBC News' Chuck Todd that it sounded as though Feinstein had just announced her reelection bid, she responded, “Close.”

Feinstein’s remarks come amid increasing criticism from progressive activists in California, with widespread speculation that the centrist Democrat could face a challenge from within her own party next year.

Feinstein — first elected in a 1992 special election — has weathered criticism from progressive activists for years. But her skeptical view of single-payer health care and her support for some of President Donald Trump’s earliest nominees has re-invigorated her critics this year. She brushed off a recent poll showing that half of likely California voters say she should not run for reelection, telling Todd, “There are polls, and then there are polls.”

Asked whether she is running for reelection, Feinstein said, “You are going to find out about that very shortly.”

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According to the poll by the Public Policy Institute of California, 50 percent of likely California voters say Feinstein should not seek reelection. But the survey did not test Feinstein in any head-to-head matchup, and her public approval rating — though down slightly from January — remains relatively favorable: 54 percent approve of her job performance, compared with 38 percent who disapprove.

Some long-shot candidates have announced challenges to Feinstein, including a progressive lawyer, Pat Harris. But no prominent Democrat is yet in the race. State Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León and Joseph Sanberg, a wealthy Orange County progressive activist, are both potential candidates.