California’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, has nominated Laphonza Butler, formerly an adviser to Kamala Harris, to finish the term of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein in the U.S. Senate.
With this appointment Butler will be the first openly black lesbian to serve in Congress.
Butler, who had been a significant presence as a senior adviser during Harris’ 2020 presidential run, is anticipated to step down from her current role as the president of EMILY’s List.
This group is committed to the election of Democratic pro-choice women across America, Newsom pointed out during his announcement on Sunday.
Feinstein’s term, which was set to end in 2024, needed a successor following her passing at 90 years of age last Friday.
Amidst his announcement, Newsom said, “As we mourn the enormous loss of Senator Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for — reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence — have never been under greater assault.” He confidently expressed that “Laphonza will carry the baton left by Senator Feinstein, continue to break glass ceilings, and fight for all Californians in Washington D.C.”
It’s notable that a number of Democrats, such as Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff, had publicly declared their interest in vying for Feinstein’s Senate seat even before her departure.
Remembering Dianne Feinstein:
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