California Governor Appoints Laphonza Butler, Former Adviser to Kamala Harris, to Succeed Late Senator Dianne Feinstein

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California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Sunday that he has selected Laphonza Butler, a Democratic political strategist and a key adviser to Kamala Harris during her 2020 presidential bid, to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein.

By selecting Butler, Governor Newsom honored his earlier commitment to appoint a Black woman to Feinstein’s seat, should it become available. This decision came amid mounting pressure from various Black politicians and interest groups who had been advocating for the appointment of Representative Barbara Lee, a notable Black congresswoman already vying for the open seat.

Upon taking office, Butler will be the solitary Black woman in the U.S. Senate, as well as the first openly LGBTQ+ individual to represent California in the Senate. Governor Newsom stated that the values that Senator Feinstein defended—reproductive rights, equal protection, and gun safety—are currently under attack nationally. “Laphonza Butler will take up the mantle left behind by Senator Feinstein and continue to shatter glass ceilings while advocating for all Californians in Washington D.C,” Newsom affirmed.

Butler currently heads Emily’s List, an influential political organization committed to backing Democratic female candidates who support abortion rights. She is also a former labor leader affiliated with SEIU 2015, a powerful entity in California politics. Her appointment introduces a complex political dynamic in the already congested race for the 2024 Senate seat, a campaign that has been ongoing since the start of the year.

Anthony York, a spokesperson for Governor Newsom, clarified that Butler was not asked to refrain from entering the race. The filing deadline for potential candidates is December 8. If Butler opts to join the race, this could lead to a competition for the crucial but limited group of Black voters in California, potentially undermining Lee’s chances.

Emily’s List, known for its fundraising capabilities, is a critical asset in California’s expensive statewide elections. Governor Newsom announced that Butler would step down from her role at the organization. The appointment decision might have political repercussions for Newsom, who is viewed as a possible future contender on the national stage. The Congressional Black Caucus was among the entities pushing for Lee’s appointment, arguing she was the most qualified for the role.

Senator Feinstein, who had been the oldest member of Congress and the longest-serving female senator, passed away last week at the age of 90 after suffering a series of health issues.

According to her Emily’s List biography, Butler currently resides in Maryland. Izzy Gardon, another spokesperson for Newsom, indicated that Butler owns property in California and is expected to re-register to vote in the state prior to her swearing-in, which could occur as early as this coming Tuesday when the Senate reconvenes.

Neither Butler nor her representatives have issued a statement or responded to requests for comment.

The Democrats hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate, although Feinstein’s seat is currently vacant. Newsom’s expedited appointment is aimed at giving the Democratic caucus increased flexibility for tight votes, including contentious nominations opposed by Republicans.

Butler has never held elected office but has a significant history in California politics. She worked as a senior adviser during Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign and has been associated with a consultancy that includes strategists linked to Governor Newsom and other prominent state Democrats. She also briefly served in the private sector for Airbnb.

Following Feinstein’s passing, Butler referred to her as “a trailblazing figure for women in politics nationally,” in a public statement.

Emily’s List, which Butler leads, has emphasized the importance of electing Democratic women who back abortion rights, particularly after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 2022 to overturn the constitutional right to abortion, thereby energizing many in the Democratic party.

Equality California, the country’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights group at the state level, applauded the appointment, stating it “offers another voice in Congress at a time when our civil liberties are under serious threat nationwide.”

This isn’t the first time Governor Newsom has been tasked with nominating a U.S. Senator. He previously appointed Alex Padilla to fill the seat vacated by Kamala Harris upon her election as Vice President. This appointment is one among several made by Newsom between late 2020 and early 2021, cementing his role as a significant player in California’s Democratic politics.

The Senate seat is widely expected to remain in Democratic control following the 2024 elections. California’s Democratic party enjoys a nearly 2-to-1 voter registration advantage over Republicans and has not lost a statewide election since 2006.

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More about Laphonza Butler’s Senate appointment

• California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Official Statement
• Emily’s List Official Website
• SEIU 2015
• Profile of Rep. Barbara Lee
• U.S. Senate Official Website
• Equality California
• The Congressional Black Caucus
• 2024 California Senate Race Candidates
• Dianne Feinstein’s Senate Tenure
• Kamala Harris 2020 Presidential Campaign
• LGBTQ+ Rights in the U.S.
• California Voter Registration Statistics
• Previous Senate Appointments by Newsom
• The U.S. Supreme Court and Abortion Rights