Alex Padilla Sworn In as California's First Latino Senator, Replacing Kamala Harris

Butler sworn in as third Black female senator in US history, replacing late Sen. Feinstein from California.
Former union leader and Democratic fundraiser with deep CA political connections.
Sworn in by VP Harris, welcomed by bipartisan group of senators.
First openly LGBTQ+ senator from CA, but unclear if she'll run in 2024.
Comes from working-class background, tapped by Gov. Newsom to continue Feinstein's legacy.

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Relevant topic timeline:

9/29/2023

Gov. Newsom to appoint caretaker replacement for Sen. Feinstein's seat, pledges to choose a Black woman

The death of Dianne Feinstein leaves an open seat in the United States Senate for California, to be filled by appointee chosen by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has pledged to appoint a Black woman to the position.

9/29/2023

Dianne Feinstein, Longest-Serving Female Senator and San Francisco Political Icon, Dies at 90

Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving female senator, has died at 90 after a trailblazing career in politics marked by her leadership on the Intelligence Committee and contributions to the federal bench.

10/2/2023

Gov. Newsom to Appoint Laphonza Butler as California's New Senator, Making Her Only Black Woman in Senate

California Gov. Gavin Newsom will appoint Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY’s List, to fill the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s Senate seat, making her the sole Black female senator serving in Congress and only the third in US history.

10/6/2023

Butler Weighs Senate Bid Despite Hurdles as Democrats Pause Campaigns After Feinstein's Death

Advisers to California Senate race candidates are attempting to discourage newly appointed Sen. Laphonza Butler from running for re-election, strategizing to convince her that there isn't enough time to mount a successful campaign and that she could risk a low placement in the race.

10/8/2023

Barbara Lee trails Laphonza Butler for Senate seat, dividing loyalties among Black women leaders

The unexpected appointment of Laphonza Butler to the U.S. Senate has created conflict and shifting loyalties among the sisterhood of Black women and their supporters in California politics, highlighting the need for representation and the challenges faced by women of color in elected office.

10/19/2023

Butler Declines to Seek Full Senate Term, Citing Her Priorities

Democratic Sen. Laphonza Butler of California announces that she will not run for a full term next year after considering her desired future in politics.

10/19/2023

Butler Appointed to Feinstein's Seat, But Won't Run in 2024 as All Eyes Turn to Wide Open Race

Laphonza Butler, who was appointed to fill Dianne Feinstein's Senate seat, has announced that she will not run for the office next year, allowing for an open race in California.