Laphonza Butler Chosen by California Governor for Feinstein’s Senate Seat

Last updated Oct 2, 2023

TL/DR –

California Governor Gavin Newsom has chosen Laphonza Butler, a former adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris, to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the late Dianne Feinstein. Butler, presently the president of Emily’s List, a political group advocating for the election of women who support abortion rights, will help the Democratic Party maintain control of the Senate with a 51-49 margin. Before this role, Butler was the director of public policy and campaigns in North America for Airbnb, a Democratic strategist at SCRB Strategies, and a senior adviser to Harris’s 2020 presidential campaign.

Newsom Picks Butler for Feinstein’s Senate Seat

California governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Laphonza Butler, a former advisor to vice-president Kamala Harris and labor leader, to fill the Senate seat left by Dianne Feinstein. Feinstein served in the Senate for 30 years and her passing has altered the Senate’s balance of power.

Butler, a Democrat, will consolidate her party’s control of the Senate. She currently heads Emily’s List, a Washington political group advocating for female candidates who support abortion rights. She was formerly Airbnb’s director of public policy in North America and a strategist at SCRB Strategies.

She contributed to Harris’s 2020 presidential campaign and presided over Service Employees International Union Local 2015, California’s biggest labor union.

Newsom Mourns Feinstein, Praises Butler

Newsom lauded Butler for her lifelong advocacy for women, girls, and the working class, stating that she will continue the fight for reproductive freedom, equal protection, and gun safety.

Newsom had previously stated his intention to nominate a black woman if Feinstein was unable to complete her term. Alex Padilla, another California senator and Democrat, commended Newsom’s expedient action to maintain Californians’ full representation in the Senate.

Butler’s Future in Senate Unclear

While Feinstein had confirmed her decision not to seek re-election in 2024, it is unclear if Butler will join the race for the Democratic nomination for the seat or serve out the rest of Feinstein’s term. Newsom stated that Butler would be the first black lesbian in the US Senate.