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Newsom to Appoint EMILY's List Head Laphonza Butler as California's First Black, LGBTQ Woman Senator

  • California Gov. Gavin Newsom will appoint EMILY's List president Laphonza Butler to fill Sen. Dianne Feinstein's vacant Senate seat.

  • Butler would be the only black woman currently serving in the Senate and California's first openly LGBTQ senator.

  • Butler is a former advisor to Kamala Harris and labor leader, but has never held elected office before.

  • Newsom faced pressure to appoint Rep. Barbara Lee, but Lee is already campaigning for the seat in 2024.

  • Feinstein, who died at age 90, had faced pressure to resign before her death due to health issues. She said she would not seek reelection in 2024.

nypost.com
Relevant topic timeline:
California Gov. Gavin Newsom defends Sen. Dianne Feinstein and expresses no intention of appointing a replacement despite concerns about her health.
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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.
Oprah Winfrey and Meghan Markle are being considered as potential replacements for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein in California, with California Governor Gavin Newsom expected to appoint someone for the remaining 13 months of Feinstein's term.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom's pick for the Senate seat, Laphonza Butler, mirrors his values on labor and business issues, despite progressive preferences for Rep. Barbara Lee, as both prioritize results over ideology.
Former union leader Laphonza Butler becomes the third Black female senator in history after being sworn in to replace the late California Sen. Dianne Feinstein and is praised for her dedication to fighting for women, working families, and justice.
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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.
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.
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.