California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced his decision to appoint Laphonza Butler to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the passing of Dianne Feinstein in 2023. This move comes after Gov. Newsom’s promise to name a Black woman to the Senate if a seat became available, and now Americans are eager to learn more about her.
Laphonza Butler is a well-known figure in Democratic politics. Prior to her Senate appointment, she served as the president of Emily’s List, a political action committee dedicated to supporting Democratic female candidates who advocate for abortion rights. Born to working-class parents, Butler kickstarted her career in the early 2000s after earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Jackson State University.
Throughout her career, Butler has held various positions of influence, including Senior Advisor for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and president of the Local 2015 of the Service Employees International Union. She has been vocal about important issues facing the country, such as the climate crisis, the broken criminal justice system, and poverty. Butler emphasizes the need for a collective approach to solving these pressing problems.
In her personal life, Butler values family time and is often found at home with her wife, Neneki Lee, and their daughter, Nylah. Lee is also a prominent figure in the labor movement, working with the Service Employees International Union for many years. Although Lee prefers to stay out of the spotlight, her dedication to advocating for workers’ rights is commendable.
While Butler’s work in California has garnered recognition, it is interesting to note that she is originally from Mississippi. Despite not residing in California since at least September 2021, Butler remains a homeowner in View Park and has re-registered to vote in the state. Her commitment to California’s communities and her track record of advocating for crucial issues make her a notable choice for the Senate seat.
