Former Harris adviser Laphonza Butler named to Feinstein Senate seat

Laphonza Butler, a former adviser to Vice President Harris and president of EMILY’s List, was named to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat in California that was held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who died Friday at the age of 90. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) made the announcement late Sunday evening, after a weekend full of anticipation ahead of the decision. Newsom had pledged previously to select a Black woman to fill Feinstein’s seat, should it ever become open, and Butler’s appointment fills that pledge.

In his announcement, Newsom noted Butler also would make history as the first Black lesbian to openly serve as a U.S. senator. 

“I’m proud to announce California’s new United States Senator — Laphonza Butler,” Newsom said. “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.”

Butler has been a labor leader as well as the leader of EMILY’S List, a powerful group that works to elect women. Newsom said she will step down as president. 

Earlier this year, as some Democrats started calling for Feinstein to resign as she faced mounting health problems, several high-profile Democrats entered the competitive race in California to win the coveted seat in the Senate — notably, Reps. Barbara Lee, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff.

Newsom reiterated his pledge last month to select a Black woman if Feinstein were unable to fill her term, but he said he would not select anyone currently running for the seat, saying at the time that it would be “completely unfair to the Democrats that have worked their tail off.”

Newsom spokesman Anthony York told The Associated Press that the governor did not ask Butler to commit to staying out of the race. The deadline to submit the necessary paperwork to enter the 2024 race is Dec. 8, the AP noted. 

“From her time as President of EMILY’s List to leading the state’s largest labor union, she has always stood up for what is right and has led with her heart and her values,” Newsom said in his statement. “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 currently lives in Maryland, according to her EMILY’s List biography, but a spokesperson for Newsom told the AP that she owns a home in California and plans to reregister to vote in California before she is sworn in. The Senate returns to session Tuesday evening.

In a statement shortly after Newsom’s announcement Sunday night, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said he was “honored” to welcome Butler to the Senate.

“Throughout her career, Laphonza Butler has been a strong voice for working families, LGBTQ rights, and a champion for increasing women’s representation in politics. I’m honored to welcome her to the United States Senate,” Padilla wrote.

“Governor Newsom’s swift action ensures that Californians maintain full representation in the Senate as we navigate a narrow Democratic majority. I look forward to working together to deliver for the people of California,” he added.

Lee said in a statement that she wished Butler well in the Senate but said she was “singularly focused” on winning the race in 2024.

“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,” Lee said in a statement.

Schiff, who is also running for the Senate seat, reminded prospective voters of his strong fundraising. In a subsequent post from his official House account, Schiff congratulated Butler on the appointment. 

“When I say we’re building the largest grassroots campaign in California history — I mean it. Last quarter we brought in $6.4 million from over 102,000 donors. Our average contribution was just $32. And we’re just getting started!” he wrote in a statement Monday morning.

“With the passing of Senator Feinstein — a giant of the Senate and a trailblazer — I’m glad the Governor acted quickly. I want to offer my congratulations to Laphonza Butler on her appointment. I look forward to working closely with her to get things done for California,” Schiff wrote from his official account on X, formerly Twitter.

Porter also issued a statement of support, through her campaign. 

“As a labor leader, Laphonza Butler has spent her career standing up for women and working families. She will be the third Black woman to serve in the Senate and will also be California’s first lesbian Senator at a time when LGBTQ+ Americans are increasingly under attack. I look forward to fighting for California with her,” Porter said.

Updated at 1:36 p.m.