Gov. Newsom Appoints Strategist, Labor Chief Laphonza Butler to U.S. Senate

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday appointed Democratic political strategist Laphonza Butler to serve the rest of the late Dianne Feinstein’s time period within the U.S. Senate.

Butler is the president of EMILY’s Checklist, a political motion committee devoted to electing Democratic pro-choice ladies to workplace, and a former labor chief

“I’m proud to announce California’s new United States Senator — Laphonza Butler,” mentioned Newsom in a put up on X Sunday night time. “Laphonza has spent her whole profession preventing for girls and ladies and has been a fierce advocate for working folks. She’s going to make historical past — changing into the primary Black lesbian to overtly serve within the U.S. Senate.”

“I’ve little doubt she is going to carry the baton left by Sen. Feinstein, proceed to interrupt glass ceilings, and struggle for all Californians in Washington,” Newsom mentioned.

Feinstein, the longest serving girl within the Senate, died Thursday on the age of 90.

In selecting Butler, Newsom fulfilled a pledge to nominate a Black girl if Feinstein’s seat turned open. 

Nevertheless, three different California Democrats are already campaigning for election to Feinstein’s seat in 2020 — Congress members Barbara Lee, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff.