California Gov. Gavin Newsom Appoints Laphonza Butler to Fill Vacant Senate Seat Left by Dianne Feinstein’s Death

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has appointed Laphonza Butler to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of California Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Feinstein, who was 90 years old, had about 15 years left in her term when she passed away.

The swift appointment was essential for Democrats’ power in the Senate, where they have a slim 50-49 majority following Feinstein’s death. Butler’s appointment will last until January 2025, when Feinstein’s sixth term in the chamber was due to end.

Butler is the president of EMILYs List, an organization devoted to electing Democratic women who support abortion rights. She previously served as a senior campaign adviser to Kamala Harris during her 2020 presidential campaign. She also served as director of public policy at Airbnb and has a long history as a labor leader. Butler was the first woman of color to lead Emily’s List when she joined the organization in 2021.

Feinstein’s death has left a void in the Senate, but Butler is well-equipped to fill it. Her experience in the labor movement, her work with EMILYs List, and her involvement in the 2020 presidential campaign have all prepared her to take on the role of Senator. With her appointment, Newsom has kept his promise to fill the vacancy with a Black woman.