Topics

Posted 10/2/2023, 6:02:00 AM

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:

9/10/2023

Newsom Defends Feinstein, Says He Won't Name Replacement Despite Health Concerns

California Gov. Gavin Newsom defends Sen. Dianne Feinstein and expresses no intention of appointing a replacement despite concerns about her health.

9/11/2023

Rep. Lee Criticizes Newsom's Plan to Appoint Black Woman as 'Caretaker' Senator

Rep. Barbara Lee criticizes California Governor Gavin Newsom for his plan to appoint a Black woman as a "caretaker" for Senator Dianne Feinstein's seat, calling it insulting and tokenistic.

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

Newsom Faces Pressure in Appointing Replacement for Feinstein Senate Seat

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.

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.

10/3/2023

Newsom Appoints Pragmatic Labor Leader Laphonza Butler to Balance Competing Interests

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.

10/3/2023

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

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.

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 10/2/2023, 6:02:00 AM

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:

9/10/2023

Newsom Defends Feinstein, Says He Won't Name Replacement Despite Health Concerns

California Gov. Gavin Newsom defends Sen. Dianne Feinstein and expresses no intention of appointing a replacement despite concerns about her health.

9/11/2023

Rep. Lee Criticizes Newsom's Plan to Appoint Black Woman as 'Caretaker' Senator

Rep. Barbara Lee criticizes California Governor Gavin Newsom for his plan to appoint a Black woman as a "caretaker" for Senator Dianne Feinstein's seat, calling it insulting and tokenistic.

9/29/2023

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

10/1/2023

Newsom Faces Pressure in Appointing Replacement for Feinstein Senate Seat

10/1/2023

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

10/3/2023

Newsom Appoints Pragmatic Labor Leader Laphonza Butler to Balance Competing Interests

10/3/2023

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

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.