Butler’s appointment fulfills Newsom’s promise to appoint a Black woman to Feinstein’s seat if it opened before the upcoming election. Her appointment also follows Newsom’s declaration he would select someone who would not be running for the position. California Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee are running to replace Feinstein. In recent weeks, Lee clashed with Newsom over his plans for temporarily filling the seat, arguing he should not simply put a “token” Black woman in the role. After the announcement of Butler’s appointment, Lee congratulated Butler but emphasized her continuing campaign to fill the seat permanently with an “experienced” representative such as herself.

I wish @LaphonzaB well and look forward to working closely with her to deliver for the Golden State.

I am singularly focused on winning my campaign for Senate.

CA deserves an experienced Senator who will deliver on progressive priorities.

That’s exactly what I’m running to do.

— Barbara Lee (@BarbaraLeeForCA) October 2, 2023

Newsom’s announcement does not mention his earlier pledge to appoint someone who will only hold the position temporarily. It is unclear whether Butler will enter the race to hold onto the seat by going against the current set of candidates. Butler said she “will do my best to honor her legacy and leadership by committing to work for women and girls, workers and unions, struggling parents, and all of California,” adding, “I am ready to serve.”

No one will ever measure up to the legacy of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, but I will do my best to honor her legacy and leadership by committing to work for women and girls, workers and unions, struggling parents, and all of California. I am ready to serve.

— Laphonza Butler (@LaphonzaB) October 2, 2023

For now, all eyes will be on Butler as she is sworn in on Wednesday by Vice President Harris, her friend and the last Black woman to serve in the Senate. Time will tell if Butler will build a similar political legacy as she transitions from advocacy to public office.

laphonza butler

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