California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced his intention to appoint Laphonza Butler, the President of Emily’s List, to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the recent passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein, who died at the age of 90.
This interim appointment is set to extend until at least November 2024, as Senator Feinstein had initially planned to step down at the conclusion of her term in January 2025.
The move comes amid a competitive primary race among three prominent California Democrats – Representatives Barbara Lee, Katie Porter, and Adam B. Schiff – all vying for the Senate seat.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s office has confirmed that she will administer the oath of office to Laphonza Butler on Tuesday at the U.S. Capitol.
Moreover, in his announcement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday night, Governor Newsom emphasized that Laphonza Butler will make history as the first openly lesbian Black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. He lauded Butler’s career-long advocacy for women, girls, and the interests of working people.
“From her time as President of EMILY’s List to leading the state’s largest labor union, she has always stood up for what is right and has led with her heart and her values,” Newsom said. “I have no doubt she will carry the baton left by Senator Feinstein, continue to break glass ceilings, and fight for all Californians in Washington.”
Butler, in response, expressed her humility and honor at the governor’s trust in her.
“For women and girls, for workers and unions, for struggling parents waiting for our leaders to bring opportunity back to their homes, for all of California, I’m ready to serve,” Butler said.
Laphonza Butler’s appointment aligns with Governor Newsom’s commitment, made in 2021, to appoint a Black woman to the U.S. Senate. This promise followed his appointment of Alex Padilla to fill the Senate seat vacated by Kamala Harris when she assumed the role of vice president.
While Padilla became California’s first Latino senator, Harris’s departure left a void of Black female representation in the Senate, which Butler will now fill.
As Senator Feinstein’s health deteriorated in recent years and uncertainty arose about her term’s conclusion, Governor Newsom considered several high-ranking Black politicians in California as potential replacements. Among those under consideration were Representative Barbara Lee, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Secretary of State Shirley Weber.
