Butler Pick Draws Praise, Mounting Speculation Over 2024 Plans

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's appointment of Laphonza Butler to fill the U.S. Senate seat previously held by the late Dianne Feinstein has evoked praise from progressives across California — along with mounting speculation over whether Butler will run for a full Senate term next year.

Butler, a Democratic adviser and labor leader, is expected to be sworn in as a U.S. senator Tuesday by Vice President Kamala Harris at the U.S. Capitol.

Most recently, Butler has led Emily's List, a national organization dedicated to electing more women to political office who support abortion rights. Her background includes deep experience as a leader of one of California's most powerful and largest unions and as a former campaign advisor to Harris. Her pursuit of a full Senate term could scramble an already crowded field vying for the Senate seat.