Gov. Gavin Newsom has made a significant appointment, naming Laphonza Butler as the replacement for the late Dianne Feinstein in the U.S. Senate until 2024. This decision comes just three days after Senator Feinstein’s passing in her Washington, D.C. home, where she held the distinguished title of the oldest sitting U.S. senator.
Butler’s appointment marks a historic moment for California, as she will become the state’s first openly LGBTQ United States senator. Additionally, she will be the first Black lesbian to openly serve in Congress in American history. Furthermore, Butler will be the second Black woman to represent California in the U.S. Senate, following in the footsteps of Vice President Kamala Harris. Notably, Butler has served as a longtime senior advisor to Harris.
In announcing the appointment, Governor Newsom expressed his confidence in Butler, stating, “An advocate for women and girls, a second-generation fighter for working people, and a trusted adviser to Vice President Harris, Laphonza Butler represents the best of California. She will proudly represent us in the United States Senate and carry on the legacy left by Senator Feinstein. At a time when our fundamental freedoms are under attack, including reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence, Butler will break glass ceilings and fight for all Californians in Washington, D.C.”
Prior to her appointment, Butler served as the president of EMILY’s List, an organization dedicated to electing women who support abortion rights. However, she will step down from this role to focus on her role in the Senate. Butler has also played an integral part in political campaigns, having run campaigns for and led strategy efforts for Harris and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Throughout her career, Butler has demonstrated her commitment to labor rights and workers’ well-being. For over a decade, she served as the president of Service Employees International Union Local 201, which represents over 325,000 nursing home and home care workers in California. This union is the largest labor union in the state. Additionally, she has held various leadership positions within the union.
Notably, Butler’s experience extends beyond labor and political advocacy. She has served as the director of the Board of Governors of the Los Angeles branch of the Federal Reserve System. Furthermore, in 2018, she was appointed to the University of California Board of Regents by former Governor Jerry Brown. She held this position until 2021. Additionally, Butler has been involved in several other organizations, such as the National Children’s Defense Fund, BLACK PAC, and the Bay Area Economic Council Institute. She has also been recognized for her contributions, receiving the prestigious “Champion for Change” award from former President Barack Obama.
Butler obtained her bachelor of arts degree in political science from Jackson State University.
On a personal note, Butler is married to her wife, Neneki, and they are proud parents to their daughter, Nylah.
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