In a historic move, California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the appointment of Laphonza Butler, the lesbian president of EMILY’s List, a pro-choice women’s political action committee, to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat left by the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein. This appointment marks a significant milestone as Laphonza Butler becomes the first openly LGBTQ+ individual to serve as California’s U.S. senator.
Governor Newsom’s decision not only fulfills his 2021 pledge to appoint a Black woman to the Senate seat but also ensures that the narrowly divided U.S. Senate maintains its slight Democratic majority, a crucial factor as the nation heads into the 2024 elections.
Butler is widely recognized for her political acumen, leadership within the labor movement, and her ability to raise substantial funds for pro-choice female candidates. She has played pivotal roles in various political campaigns, including serving as a senior strategist in Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign and as the director for public policy and campaigns at Airbnb.
Her dedication to social issues is evident, as she has also served as the president of the California chapter of the Service Employees International Union and as a member of the University of California Board of Regents.
In a heartfelt Medium.com post from May 2022, Butler conveyed her commitment to defending reproductive rights and voting access, noting the intersectionality of these challenges. She emphasized the importance of fighting for freedoms and rights in an era marked by political dishonesty and attacks on marginalized communities.
Lauding the appointment, Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, the largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the nation, expressed excitement and congratulated Laphonza Butler. Hoang described the historic significance of the appointment, providing the LGBTQ+ community with a stronger voice in Congress during a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under threat nationwide.
While Butler’s appointment is a significant achievement, the road ahead may present challenges. In 2024, when the seat comes up for re-election, she will face competition from other candidates who have already declared their candidacy, including Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Adam Schiff, Rep. Barbara Lee, tech executive Lexi Reese, Eric Earl, and James P. Bradley.
Laphonza Butler’s appointment to the U.S. Senate signifies a step forward in LGBTQ+ representation in politics and promises a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in California and beyond.