Former Harris adviser Laphonza Butler named to Feinstein Senate seat

Laphonza Butler, a former adviser to Vice President Harris who currently serves as president of EMILY’s List, was named to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat in California that was held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who died at the age of 90 on Friday. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) made the announcement late Sunday evening, after a weekend full of anticipation ahead of the decision. Newsom had pledged previously to select a Black woman to fill Feinstein’s seat, should it ever become open, and Butler’s appointment fills that pledge.

In his announcement, Newsom noted that Butler also would make history as the first Black lesbian to openly serve as a U.S. senator. 

“I’m proud to announce California’s new United States Senator — Laphonza Butler,” Newsom said. “As we mourn the enormous loss of Sen. Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for — reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence — have never been under greater assault. Laphonza has spent her entire career fighting for women and girls and has been a fierce advocate for working people.”