Topics

Posted 10/3/2023, 9:00:00 AM

Newsom Appoints Pragmatic Labor Leader Laphonza Butler to Balance Competing Interests

Newsom's appointee Laphonza Butler reflects his balancing of labor and business interests, favoring pragmatism over ideology.
Butler negotiated a compromise $15 minimum wage deal in 2015, less sweeping than unions wanted but palatable to fiscal conservatives.
She has worked both supporting and opposing labor, advising Uber on AB5 and working for Airbnb.
Unions have largely praised her working-class background and history as a movement leader despite corporate ties.
Her appointment comes amid criticism of Newsom vetoing high-profile union bills, though unions aren't attacking her corporate experience.

politico.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/9/2023

Newsom Rules Out 2024 Bid Against Harris, Cites Longtime Friendship

California Governor Gavin Newsom firmly rejected the idea of running against Vice President Kamala Harris, stating that even if President Biden were to not run, Harris would be the natural choice.

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.

9/13/2023

Newsom Goes on Offense Against GOP, Praises Biden While Stumping for Midterms

California Governor Gavin Newsom showcased his role as a fierce attack dog for the Democratic Party, criticizing prominent Republicans, defending President Biden, and urging Democrats to rally behind their leader.

9/29/2023

Newsom Faces Pressure on Feinstein Replacement Pick After Vowing Black Woman Appointee

California Gov. Gavin Newsom faces pressure to quickly choose a replacement for Sen. Dianne Feinstein, following her death and amid his own national ambitions, particularly as he had promised 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

Gov. Newsom to Appoint Laphonza Butler as California's New Senator, Making Her Only Black Woman in Senate

California Gov. Gavin Newsom will appoint Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY’s List, to fill the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s Senate seat, making her the sole Black female senator serving in Congress and only the third in US history.

10/2/2023

Newsom to Debate DeSantis on Fox, Aims to Counter Misinformation Despite Critiquing Network

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Fox News and other conservative media outlets, saying that Democrats need to combat the misinformation being promoted on these platforms.

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.

Topics

Posted 10/3/2023, 9:00:00 AM

Newsom Appoints Pragmatic Labor Leader Laphonza Butler to Balance Competing Interests

Newsom's appointee Laphonza Butler reflects his balancing of labor and business interests, favoring pragmatism over ideology.
Butler negotiated a compromise $15 minimum wage deal in 2015, less sweeping than unions wanted but palatable to fiscal conservatives.
She has worked both supporting and opposing labor, advising Uber on AB5 and working for Airbnb.
Unions have largely praised her working-class background and history as a movement leader despite corporate ties.
Her appointment comes amid criticism of Newsom vetoing high-profile union bills, though unions aren't attacking her corporate experience.

politico.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/9/2023

Newsom Rules Out 2024 Bid Against Harris, Cites Longtime Friendship

California Governor Gavin Newsom firmly rejected the idea of running against Vice President Kamala Harris, stating that even if President Biden were to not run, Harris would be the natural choice.

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.

9/13/2023

Newsom Goes on Offense Against GOP, Praises Biden While Stumping for Midterms

9/29/2023

Newsom Faces Pressure on Feinstein Replacement Pick After Vowing Black Woman Appointee

10/1/2023

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

10/2/2023

Gov. Newsom to Appoint Laphonza Butler as California's New Senator, Making Her Only Black Woman in Senate

10/2/2023

Newsom to Debate DeSantis on Fox, Aims to Counter Misinformation Despite Critiquing Network

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Fox News and other conservative media outlets, saying that Democrats need to combat the misinformation being promoted on these platforms.

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