Laphonza Butler has been appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to finish Senator Dianne Fienstien’s term. This is following Senator Fienstien’s passing a few weeks ago.
Butler is a prolific member of her community, being both a long-time advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris and the president of EMILY’s List, an organization dedicated to getting democratic, pro-choice women into office. Prior to her work with EMILY’s List, Laphonza Butler worked with SEIU, the largest labor union in California, as the president of the SEIU’s United Long Term Care Workers (ULTCW), the SEIU’s Property Services Division Director, the international Vice President, and the president of the SEIU California State Council.
Proud of her identity, Butler is open about her sexuality. Laphonza Butler is married to her wife, Neneki, whom she has a daughter with. Butler is the first openly LGBTQ+ person to represent California in the congressional chamber. She is currently the only Black woman to serve in congress, and one of three in history.
Governor Newsom announced Butler’s selection, saying, “An advocate for women and girls, a second-generation fighter for working people, and a trusted adviser to Vice President Harris, Laphonza Butler represents the best of California, and she’ll represent us proudly in the United States Senate. As we mourn the enormous loss of Senator Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for—reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence—have never been under greater assault. Laphonza will carry the baton left by Senator Feinstein, continue to break glass ceilings, and fight for all Californians in Washington D.C.”
Hopefully, in the future, we can definitively say that Butler opened the door for LGBTQ+ people of color to hold higher positions in the government. Butler was sworn into congress on October 3 by Vice President Kamala Harris.
Image courtesy of LaphonzaB on X
