Who is Laphonza Butler? California Governor Gavin Newsom picks openly LGBTQ labor leader to fill Dianne Feinstein's Senate seat
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Laphonza Butler, the President of EMILY's List and an openly LGBTQ person was announced by California Governor Gavin Newsom as the person to fill the Senate seat of the late Dianne Feinstein.
This decision comes just two days after Feinstein's death and amid the backdrop of a closely divided Congress that narrowly avoided a government shutdown, as per Politico.
The move also underscores the urgency for Senate Democrats to secure every vote in the chamber.
Laphonza Butler to replace the late Dianne Feinstein
The appointment of Laphonza Butler is set to be officially announced on Monday, October 2, with Governor Gavin Newsom confirming that there are no limitations or preconditions on her running for the seat in 2024.
This means that Butler could potentially join the competitive field of Democratic contenders seeking to succeed Feinstein, with special elections adding complexity to the March primary and November runoff.
As of now, she is expected to be sworn in as a Senator on Wednesday, October 4, by Vice President Kamala Harris, marking a historic moment in California's political landscape. Butler's appointment follows a period of mourning for the late Senator Feinstein, who held a formidable position in the state's politics.
Newsom, who was mentored by Feinstein, has been facing the personal grief of her loss while navigating the political implications of choosing her successor.
Pressure on Governor Gavin Newsom over finding a replacement for Senate seat of late Dianne Feinstein
The decision to appoint a Black woman to the Senate seat, a promise Gavin Newsom made after Vice President Kamala Harris' departure and the appointment of Senator Alex Padilla in 2021, was met with significant pressure.
Some potential nominees publicly declined interest, while others privately expressed concerns about accepting a short-term appointment followed by a demanding five-month campaign.
Notably, the swiftness of Newsom's appointment strategy has limited the ability of politicians and interest groups to lobby for their preferred candidates. It prevented speculation regarding whether the appointee would serve only temporarily.
Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford even urged Newsom to appoint Rep Barbara Lee, a Senate candidate who was initially ruled out by the governor to maintain a level playing field.
Laphonza Butler's selection aligns with Newsom's commitment to appoint a Black woman to the Senate and avoids direct involvement in the upcoming Senate contest featuring Reps Katie Porter, Adam Schiff, and Barbara Lee, all prominent California Democrats.
Laphonza Butler's background and connections
Laphonza Butler brings a wealth of experience to the role. She is a seasoned organizer and has close ties to Gavin Newsom, having been considered for his first chief-of-staff position.
Additionally, she served as a senior strategist on Vice President Kamala Harris's 2020 presidential campaign.
3 years ago today, @KamalaHarris made history by becoming @JoeBiden's running mate. The first Black woman and first woman of South Asian descent to join a major-party ticket.
— Laphonza Butler (@LaphonzaB) August 11, 2023
Let me tell you a bit about the @VP I know — an inspiration and a fearless fighter for our freedoms. pic.twitter.com/5IR0V5DZwA
Her background includes work at Airbnb and nearly two decades as a respected labor leader with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in California.
During her tenure, she collaborated with then-Governor Jerry Brown on significant policies, such as raising the minimum wage and increasing taxes on high-income Californians. She also served on the University of California Board of Regents.
Of note, Butler's appointment will make her the first openly LGBTQ person as well as the first Black woman to represent California in the Senate.
While the Senate race is expected to be a formidable challenge, with well-known contenders like Porter, Schiff, and Lee leading in fundraising and polls, Butler's connections, experience, and affiliation with EMILY's List could make her a competitive candidate.
Newsom's appointment of Butler adds to a series of high-profile nominations during his second term, including both US. Senate seats, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Secretary of State Shirley Weber, who was rumored to be a contender for Feinstein's seat, according to Politico.