Laphonza Butler has been picked to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of California Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom made the announcement on early Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter:
“I’m proud to announce California’s new United States Senator — Laphonza Butler.
“As we mourn the enormous loss of Sen. Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for — reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence — have never been under greater assault. Laphonza has spent her entire career fighting for women and girls and has been a fierce advocate for working people.
“She will make history — becoming the first Black lesbian to openly serve in the U.S. Senate…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 is the president of EMILYs List, an organization devoted to electing Democratic women who support abortion rights.
She was also a former senior campaign adviser to Kamala Harris during her 2020 presidential campaign and has a long history as a labor leader.
Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Adam Schiff and Rep. Katie Porter are among those who jumped into the 2024 race after Feinstein announced earlier this year that she would not run again.
It was not immediately clear if any of them, or Butler, would also enter the expected special election for the remainder of Feinstein’s term.
In a post on X, Lee congratulated Laphonza Butler.
“I wish @LaphonzaB well and look forward to working closely with her to deliver for the Golden State. I am singularly focused on winning my campaign for Senate. CA deserves an experienced Senator who will deliver on progressive priorities. That’s exactly what I’m running to do.”
Schiff and Porter have not reacted yet.
