In a historic moment for California and the LGBTQ community, Laphonza Butler was sworn in on Tuesday to assume the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat. Feinstein, a prominent figure in California politics, passed away at the age of 90, paving the way for Butler to step into her role. Vice President Kamala Harris, a close ally and advisor to Butler, administered the oath of office, drawing enthusiastic applause from both the Senate floor and gallery.
Governor Gavin Newsom acted swiftly to nominate Butler for this significant position, making her the third Black woman to serve as a senator, following in the footsteps of Kamala Harris and Carol Moseley Braun from the 1990s. Notably, Butler also becomes the first openly LGBTQ individual to represent California in the Senate. She will work alongside fellow California Democrat Alex Padilla.
A Momentous Achievement for the LGBTQ Community
President Joe Biden personally congratulated Butler following her swearing-in ceremony, underscoring the significance of her achievement. Butler, who had previously led EMILY’s List, an organization dedicated to electing Democratic women supporting abortion rights, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am honored to accept Gov. Newsom’s nomination to be a U.S. Senator for a state I have long called home. I am humbled by the Governor’s trust. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s leadership and legacy are immeasurable. I will do my best to honor her by devoting my time and energy to serving the people of California and the people of this great nation.”
Butler, though residing in Maryland, has re-registered to vote in California, demonstrating her commitment to the state she now represents. With her swearing-in, Democrats regain a 51-49 majority in the Senate, positioning them to fill Feinstein’s seat on the Judiciary Committee, which had been deadlocked.
California’s Political Landscape
Feinstein had previously announced her decision not to seek re-election in 2024, setting the stage for a competitive Senate race. Notable contenders in the upcoming election include Democratic Representatives Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee. Newsom’s initial plan for an “interim” appointment aimed to avoid favoring any specific candidate, ensuring a level playing field. However, he emphasized that no restrictions were placed on Butler’s appointment, leaving her free to run for the seat in the future. Butler will serve the remainder of Feinstein’s term, concluding in early 2025, and has yet to announce her intentions regarding future elections.