Topics

Posted 10/3/2023, 7:57:23 PM

Laphonza Butler Sworn In as New California Senator, Becoming 3rd Black Woman in Senate

Laphonza Butler sworn in to fill late Sen. Dianne Feinstein's Senate seat, becoming 3rd Black woman senator.
Butler was president of EMILY's List, will serve with Sen. Alex Padilla to give Dems 51-49 majority.
VP Kamala Harris administered oath of office; Biden called to congratulate Butler.
Gov. Newsom moved quickly to select Butler, wants to avoid tipping scales in 2024 Senate race.
Butler will serve out remainder of Feinstein's term until 2025, unclear if she'll run for full term.

nbcnews.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/7/2023

Dianne Feinstein's frailty, fight for family millions cast shadow on final Senate chapter

Dianne Feinstein, the 90-year-old U.S. Senator, is facing a public family dispute over her late husband's estate, revealing her vast fortune and raising questions about her health and ability to carry out her Senate duties.

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.

10/1/2023

Black Caucus Urges Newsom to Appoint Rep. Lee to Feinstein's Seat Despite 2024 Run

The Congressional Black Caucus is urging California Gov. Gavin Newsom to appoint Rep. Barbara Lee to the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat, citing Lee's progressive record and commitment to justice and equality.

10/2/2023

Gavin Newsom Appoints Laphonza Butler as California's First Black Lesbian Senator

California Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to appoint Laphonza Butler, the president of Emily's List, as the replacement for Sen. Dianne Feinstein, ensuring Democratic control of the Senate and fulfilling Newsom's promise to appoint a Black woman to the position.

10/5/2023

Trailblazing Senator Dianne Feinstein Dies, But Washington Chaos Overshadows Her Legacy

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi accompanied the late Senator Dianne Feinstein's body back to California, marking a significant moment in American political history for women that has not received much attention from the media.

10/5/2023

Private Funeral Service for Senator Dianne Feinstein to Be Held in San Francisco This Week

Senator Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving female senator and California senator, will be honored by President Joe Biden and other high-profile Democrats at a private funeral service in San Francisco, where Biden will deliver a tribute by audio message and other Democratic leaders will make remarks in person.

10/6/2023

Top Democrats Pay Respects at Memorial for Trailblazing Senator Dianne Feinstein

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Vice-President Kamala Harris, and other prominent Democrats attended the funeral of Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving female lawmaker in the US Senate, who is being remembered as a formidable force in American politics.

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.

Topics

Posted 10/3/2023, 7:57:23 PM

Laphonza Butler Sworn In as New California Senator, Becoming 3rd Black Woman in Senate

Laphonza Butler sworn in to fill late Sen. Dianne Feinstein's Senate seat, becoming 3rd Black woman senator.
Butler was president of EMILY's List, will serve with Sen. Alex Padilla to give Dems 51-49 majority.
VP Kamala Harris administered oath of office; Biden called to congratulate Butler.
Gov. Newsom moved quickly to select Butler, wants to avoid tipping scales in 2024 Senate race.
Butler will serve out remainder of Feinstein's term until 2025, unclear if she'll run for full term.

nbcnews.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/7/2023

Dianne Feinstein's frailty, fight for family millions cast shadow on final Senate chapter

9/29/2023

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

10/1/2023

Black Caucus Urges Newsom to Appoint Rep. Lee to Feinstein's Seat Despite 2024 Run

10/2/2023

Gavin Newsom Appoints Laphonza Butler as California's First Black Lesbian Senator

10/5/2023

Trailblazing Senator Dianne Feinstein Dies, But Washington Chaos Overshadows Her Legacy

10/5/2023

Private Funeral Service for Senator Dianne Feinstein to Be Held in San Francisco This Week

10/6/2023

Top Democrats Pay Respects at Memorial for Trailblazing Senator Dianne Feinstein

10/6/2023

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

10/8/2023

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

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.