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California Governor Chooses Laphonza Butler to Replace Late Senator Dianne Feinstein

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has selected Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY’s List, to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein. This decision was confirmed by the governor’s office to NBC News. Butler’s appointment makes her the third Black woman to ever serve in the Senate, as well as the first openly LGBTQ person to represent California in the chamber, marking a significant milestone for diversity and representation in the state’s political landscape. Politico was the first to report on Newsom’s selection of Butler.

Feinstein, who held the distinction of being the longest-serving woman in the Senate, passed away on Thursday at the age of 90. Accepting the nomination, Butler expressed her honor and stated her commitment to serving the people of California and the nation. Recognizing Feinstein’s influential leadership, Butler vowed to do her best to honor her legacy.

The appointment of a senator in California falls under the authority of the governor, who has the power to make this decision until the next regularly scheduled statewide general election. Hence, Butler will serve as senator until the next elected senator, chosen by voters in the November 2024 election, is sworn in.

Butler has been leading EMILY’s List, an organization that strives to elect Democratic women supporting abortion rights, since 2021, becoming the first Black woman to hold this position. She paid tribute to Feinstein on social media, acknowledging her immense influence on women in politics and the nation as a whole.

The appointment of Butler has also been hailed as a landmark moment by LGBTQ rights advocates. Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, celebrated her appointment, describing Butler as a powerful advocate for abortion rights, the labor movement, and civil rights, and praising her commitment to LGBTQ+ support.

With her professional career deeply rooted in California, Butler previously led SEIU Local 2015, the state’s largest union. Additionally, she has been a longstanding ally of Vice President Kamala Harris and holds positions such as a member of the University of California Board of Regents and the director of public policy and campaigns in North America for Airbnb.

Although Butler currently resides in Maryland, the governor’s office has confirmed that she owns a home in California and will switch her voter registration accordingly.

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Newsom had previously indicated his preference to appoint a Black woman should a Senate seat become vacant. Furthermore, he emphasized that his selection would be an “interim” appointment, clarifying that the chosen candidate would not be one of the individuals running for the seat in the 2024 election. This decision ensures that those who have actively campaigned for the position are not unfairly disadvantaged.

While the exact date of Butler’s swearing-in ceremony remains unknown, it could potentially take place on Tuesday afternoon, as the Senate reconvenes.

Representatives Katie Porter, Adam Schiff, and Barbara Lee, who were contenders to succeed Feinstein, have all congratulated Butler on her appointment and expressed their eagerness to collaborate closely with her. Porter commended Butler’s dedication to championing women and working families, while Schiff praised Newsom for swiftly appointing someone to the vacant seat. Lee reaffirmed her singular focus on winning the Senate race.

Previously, the Congressional Black Caucus urged Newsom to appoint Lee, asserting that she possesses the courage, vision, and track record necessary to address poverty, combat the fossil fuel industry, defend democracy, and actively advance the progressive agenda.

This is not the first time Newsom has exercised his authority to fill a Senate seat. Following Vice President Harris’s election, Newsom appointed Alex Padilla, then-California Secretary of State, to the vacated seat. Consequently, Newsom will have chosen both of California’s senators.

Prior to Harris and Butler, the only other Black woman to have served as a senator was Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois.

California residents will participate in a Senate primary election on March 5. California adopts a blanket primary system, where all candidates, regardless of political party, appear on the same primary ballot. The top two vote-getters from this primary will advance to the general election in November.

Feinstein had previously announced her intention to retire at the end of 2024, the conclusion of her term. However, she faced calls to step down due to concerns about her health and pressure to make way for younger lawmakers in recent years.

The AI legalese decoder can provide an invaluable tool for individuals navigating legal complexities related to health matters, appointments, and retirements. By deciphering legal jargon, this AI-powered solution can help users better comprehend the implications of such decisions and the relevant legal framework.

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