Governor Gavin Newsom has selected Laphonza Butler to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the recent passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein. Newsom made the announcement on Twitter, stating that Butler would continue Feinstein’s fight for reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence. He also highlighted Butler’s advocacy for women and working people throughout her career. If confirmed, Butler will make history as the first openly serving Black lesbian in the U.S. Senate.
Butler currently serves as the president of EMILY’s List, an organization dedicated to electing Democratic women who support abortion rights. She was the first woman of color to lead the organization when she joined in 2021. In addition, Butler has worked as a senior campaign adviser to Kamala Harris during her 2020 presidential campaign and held positions such as director of public policy at Airbnb and labor leader.
While initially, Butler’s Emily’s List biography mentioned that she lives in Maryland with her partner Neneki Lee and their daughter Nylah, that specific sentence has been removed. Maryland voting records show a Laphonza Butler registered to vote in the state. However, a Newsom spokesperson stated that Butler owns a home in California and is expected to reregister to vote in the state before being sworn in.
Feinstein, who was 90 years old, had approximately 15 months left in her term. Butler’s swift appointment will strengthen the Democrats’ slim majority in the Senate as Congress continues to work on long-term funding for the government.
Governor Newsom had previously pledged to appoint a Black woman to Feinstein’s position, but he hoped to never have to make that decision. However, he also stated that he would not choose one of the Democrats running to succeed Feinstein in the 2024 election, as it would be unfair to them. There is no requirement for the temporary appointment, allowing Butler to potentially run for a full term in 2024. With the upcoming Democratic Senate primary and a special election for the remainder of Feinstein’s term, it remains unclear if Butler or other contenders will participate in both races.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Congressman Adam Schiff, and Congresswoman Katie Porter, who have already entered the 2024 race, have not responded to Butler’s appointment yet. Lee expressed her focus on winning her campaign for Senate and delivering progressive priorities for California.
Laphonza Butler’s appointment has received significant attention and will likely shape California’s political landscape in the coming months.