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

The appointment of Laphonza Butler to the Senate has caused conflicting emotions among Black women leaders and supporters who backed Barbara Lee.

Barbara Lee is trailing in polls and fundraising for the Senate seat despite support within the "sisterhood" of Black women leaders.

Butler's decision on whether to run for a full Senate term in 2024 could test loyalties in the sisterhood further.

Some hope Butler endorses Lee, but if both run it could divide Black women leaders and the network supporting them.

Butler accepting the appointment when offered challenges the expectation that Black women wait their turn, raising generational questions.