Ex-Harris adviser named to Feinstein’s vacant Senate seat
LOS ANGELES — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has selected Laphonza Butler, a Democratic strategist and adviser to Kamala Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign, to fill the U.S. Senate seat made vacant by the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
In choosing Butler on Sunday, Newsom fulfilled his pledge to appoint a Black woman if Feinstein’s seat became open. However, he had been facing pressure from some Black politicians and advocacy groups to select Barbara Lee, a prominent Black congresswoman who is already running for the seat.
Butler will be the only Black woman serving in the U.S. Senate and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to represent California in the chamber.
Newsom said in a statement that the priorities Feinstein fought for in Congress — reproductive freedom, equal protection and safety from gun violence — were under assault in the nation. “Laphonza will carry the baton left by Sen. Feinstein (and) continue to break glass ceilings and fight for all Californians in Washington D.C.,” he said.
Butler leads Emily’s List, a political organization that supports Democratic women candidates who favor abortion rights; Newsom’s statement said she will step down from the organization. Butler also is a former labor leader with SEIU 2015, a powerful force in California politics.
Her appointment sets up a potentially tricky political calculus in the crowded 2024 contest to succeed Feinstein.
Newsom spokesman Anthony York said the governor did not ask Butler to commit to staying out of the race. The deadline for candidates to submit paperwork to seek the office is Dec. 8. Should Butler enter the contest, she could set up a competition for the relatively small but influential group of Black voters in California and possibly undercut Lee’s chances.
Lee congratulated Butler in a statement but said she remains “singularly focused on winning” her Senate campaign.
California “deserves an experienced Senator who will deliver on progressive priorities. That’s exactly what I’m running to do,” she said.
The long-serving Feinstein died Thursday at age 90 after a series of illnesses.
Butler currently lives in Maryland, according to her Emily’s List biography. Izzy Gardon, a spokesman for Newsom, said Butler owns a home in California. She is expected to reregister to vote in California before being sworn in.
Butler said Monday she had accepted Newsom’s nomination to serve “a state I have made my home.”
“No one will ever measure up to the legacy of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, but I will do my best to honor her legacy and leadership by committing to work for women and girls, workers and unions, struggling parents, and all of California. I am ready to serve,” she said.