Gov. Newsom to Appoint Laphonza Butler as California's New Senator, Making Her Only Black Woman in Senate
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom will appoint Laphonza Butler, president of EMILY's List, to fill late Sen. Feinstein's seat.
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Butler will be the sole Black female senator and third in US history. Feinstein was the longest-serving female senator.
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Appointment comes as Democrats hold narrow Senate majority and uncertainty looms over Sen. Menendez's future.
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Butler has worked in labor unions and advised Kamala Harris' 2020 campaign, but her background is mainly in the labor movement.
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California will hold two Senate elections in November 2023 - one for the remainder of Feinstein's term and one for a full 6-year term.