California’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, announced late Sunday evening that he would nominate Laphonza Butler, a former trade unionist turned women’s rights activist, as the new senator in the US Congress, replacing Dianne Feinstein.
• Also read: Death of Dianne Feinstein, a major figure in the American Senate
The death on Thursday at age 90 of Ms. Feinstein, an influential Democrat known for her pioneering role in promoting women’s status in the political world, left a Senate seat vacant.
“I am proud to announce the new U.S. Senator for California – Laphonza Butler,” the governor announced on X (formerly Twitter).
This appointment maintains the narrow Democratic majority in the Senate.
Ms. Butler, a figure in California politics for some fifteen years, is currently patron of Emily’s List, an association that advocates for Democratic women’s voting and abortion rights advocates.
She was also the campaign advisor to Kamala Harris, who became Joe Biden’s vice president. She previously headed California’s largest union.
Laphonza Butler will also be the first black and lesbian woman in the U.S. Senate, Gavin Newsom noted.
She “always fought for what was right,” the California governor wrote. “I have no doubt that she will continue Senator Feinstein’s path, breaking the glass ceiling and fighting for all Californians in Washington.”