Laphonza Butler | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2023 | |
| United States Senator from California | |
| Assumed office October 1, 2023 Serving with Alex Padilla | |
| Appointed by | Gavin Newsom |
| Preceded by | Dianne Feinstein |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Laphonza Romanique Butler May 11, 1979 Magnolia, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Neneki Lee |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Jackson State University (BA) |
| Signature |  |
| Website | Senate website |
Laphonza Romanique Butler (/ləˈfɔːnzə/ lə-FON-zə; born May 11, 1979) is an American labor union official and politician serving as the junior United States senator from California since 2023. Butler began her career as a union organizer, and served as president of California SEIU State Council from 2013 to 2018. A member of the Democratic Party, she was a regent of the University of California system from 2018 to 2021, and the president of EMILY's List from 2021 to 2023.
Butler is a longtime ally of Kamala Harris. On October 1, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom chose Butler to fill the United States Senate seat left vacant by the death of Dianne Feinstein. Soon after taking office, she announced she would not run for a full term in the 2024 election. Adam Schiff was elected to succeed her.[1][2][3]
Butler is the first openly LGBT African American to serve in the Senate.
- ^ "California U.S. Senate Election Results". The New York Times. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "California U.S. Senate Special Election Results". The New York Times. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "California Democrat Adam Schiff wins US Senate seat long held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein". AP News. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.