Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he would appoint Laphonza Butler to finish out the remainder of Feinstein’s term in Washington, D.C., ahead of the 2024 election.
Feinstein died Thursday at age 90 after a string of medical complications.
Newsome described Butler as an “advocate for women and girls, a second-generation fighter for working people, and a trusted adviser to Vice President Harris.”
“As we mourn the enormous loss of Sen. Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for – reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence – have never been under greater assault,” Newsom continued. “Laphonza will carry the baton left by Sen. Feinstein, continue to break glass ceilings, and fight for all Californians in Washington, D.C.”
I'm proud to announce California's new United States Senator — Laphonza Butler.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 2, 2023
As we mourn the enormous loss of Sen. Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for — reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence — have never been under greater assault.… pic.twitter.com/SOnbfVPmXj
The appointment makes Butler the first openly LGBTQ+ person to represent California in the Senate. She will also be only the third Black woman in the chamber and, according to the White House.
“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,” Butler proudly declared.
I'm honored to accept Gov. @GavinNewsom's nomination to be U.S. Senator for a state I have made my home and honored by his trust in me to serve the people of California and this great nation. 🧵
— Laphonza Butler (@LaphonzaB) October 2, 2023
However, not everyone is happy about the announcement.
Rep. Darrell Issa is expected to send a letter to Newsom, Sen. Alex Padilla, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to express his discontent about the decision.
“We’re not talking about the question of majority, we’re talking about 38 million Californians who have an absolute right to have somebody who puts California first – not who puts the District of Columbia first or Maryland, where she’s a resident, first,” Issa told Fox News Digital. “It’s not that he couldn’t find somebody. Instead, [Newsom] chose the most progressive African American woman he could find, seemingly for political purposes.”
If Gavin Newsom wants to appoint a Senator from California, maybe he could have made sure to find one who lives in California?
— Rep. Darrell Issa (@repdarrellissa) October 2, 2023
Butler currently lives in Maryland and owns a home in California. She is expected to reregister to vote in California before being sworn in.
“Laphonza Butler has spent her career fighting for the rights of women and working people, just by looking at her career,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. “And she’s herself succeeding a trailblazer by breaking more barriers.”
