As we previously reported, Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s (D-Calif.) office put out a statement on Valentine’s Day confirming that she would not seek another term in office, something that had widely been expected to happen considering the number of Democrats who had already announced they were running for her seat, like Reps. Adam Schiff and Katie Porter.

The move came after years of persistent questions even among ostensibly loyal California Democrats and media outlets about what some characterized as Feinstein’s “rapidly deteriorating memory,” with some in the Democratic Caucus questioning her ability to continue to serve in the office she’s held since 1992.

And now, just two days after her office made it official that she’s stepping down at the end of this term, Feinstein has sparked more concern, this time in the aftermath of an alarming moment that happened just outside the Senate chamber on Wednesday. According to Business Insider, Feinstein “seemingly” forgot something she had just voted on:

Sen. Dianne Feinstein emerged from the Senate chamber on Wednesday seemingly confused about what she had done during a two-vote series.

“Did I vote for that?” Insider overheard the California Democrat ask her long-time chief of staff, David Grannis, about approving a judicial nominee to the federal bench.

Grannis, who had just finished explaining to his 89-year-old boss that the six Senate votes scheduled throughout the day would be on Biden appointees, shook his head and said, “No.”

The most jarring part about the public episode was that Grannis was trying to map out what Feinstein — whose cognitive ability has increasingly come into question — needed to know about what was happening later, but she couldn’t recall what had transpired minutes before.

The incident follows another from this week where Feinstein was talking to reporters and said she had not made a decision about her political future, and appeared to be unaware that her office had announced that she had in fact made a decision:

.@SenFeinstein appeared to be unaware that her staff released a statement that she's stepping down in 2025.

Here's audio of when reporters asked her about it & she responded "I haven't released anything."

In recent years, questions have arisen about her short term memory. pic.twitter.com/HLvZTaNTqs

— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) February 15, 2023

In another disconcerting incident from November, Feinstein had to be corrected by an aide multiple times during an interview:

Dianne Feinstein (89) was asked by a reporter about whether she’ll seek to become President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the person third line to the presidency.

This is how it went 😂 pic.twitter.com/lj6dErDJoY

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 15, 2022

I have to wonder at this point if Feinstein will end up retiring before her Senate term is up, which if so would spark another war among California Democrats as to who Gov. Gavin Newsom should appoint to replace her in the short term as the 2024 Senate primary campaign season plays out.

While what’s apparently happening to Dianne Feinstein healthwise is no laughing matter, the looming battle and Democratic infighting over her seat, whether by appointment or election – or both – is sure to produce some mockworthy moments.

As always, stay tuned.

Flashback: Chuck Schumer Fans the Flames When Asked About ‘Confidence’ in Dianne Feinstein’s Cognitive Abilities