Laphonza Butler, president of political action committee Emily’s List, will be Congress’s first-ever Black lesbian senator.
Today California Governor Gavin Newsom tapped Butler to fill the Senate seat that was left empty with the death of Dianne Feinstein on Friday, Politico reported. Her appointment marks a historic first for Congress, with Butler becoming the sole Black woman currently serving and the third-ever Black woman to serve in the Senate. She will also be the first openly LGBTQ+ Black woman to work in Congress.
“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,” Butler said in a statement released to X. “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.”