Post by Admin on Oct 3, 2023 8:55:39 GMT
Laphonza Butler is set to make history as the first LGBTQ+ person to represent California in the Senate.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) appointed her just two days after the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who was the longest-serving female senator.
“I am honored to accept Gov. Newsom’s nomination to be a U.S. Senator for a state I have long called home,” Butler said in a statement after the appointment.
“I am humbled by the Governor’s trust. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s leadership and legacy are immeasurable. I will do my best to honor her by devoting my time and energy to serving the people of California and the people of this great nation.”
Here’s what to know about Butler before she’s sworn in Wednesday:
She’s making history
Butler, 44, will not only be the first LGBTQ+ person to represent California, but also the first openly Black lesbian ever to serve in the Senate.
She also becomes only the third Black woman to serve in the Senate — and the only sitting Black woman senator. She will be sworn in Wednesday by Vice President Kamala Harris, who was the second Black female senator to serve and who also represented California in the upper chamber.
Newsom had previously promised to appoint a Black woman if the opportunity presented itself. Though many wanted to see Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) appointed, including the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Butler’s appointment has still generated approval from leading Black organizations.
In a statement, the CBC celebrated Butler’s appointment, saying that her background and experience will bring a “much-needed perspective” to the Senate.
“For many years, Laphonza Butler has been a champion for women and girls, students, and union workers, and we believe she will bring that same fight to the U.S. Senate on behalf of Californians and our entire nation,” the CBC said.
“As the first lesbian Black woman in the U.S. Senate, Laphonza will bring an important perspective to the upper house at a time when the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community are under attack. We look forward to welcoming Laphonza as the 59th member of the CBC and to continuing our work on behalf of the American people.”
Higher Heights, a PAC committed to electing more progressive Black women, said Butler’s appointment comes at a pivotal time when “a Black woman’s voice is needed more than ever in this legislative body.”
“Voices such as Butler’s are needed in the halls of Congress to advance progress on the critical issues that voters are demanding action on,” the PAC said in a statement. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to uplift Black women at all levels of government and look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes during her time as a Senator.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) appointed her just two days after the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who was the longest-serving female senator.
“I am honored to accept Gov. Newsom’s nomination to be a U.S. Senator for a state I have long called home,” Butler said in a statement after the appointment.
“I am humbled by the Governor’s trust. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s leadership and legacy are immeasurable. I will do my best to honor her by devoting my time and energy to serving the people of California and the people of this great nation.”
Here’s what to know about Butler before she’s sworn in Wednesday:
She’s making history
Butler, 44, will not only be the first LGBTQ+ person to represent California, but also the first openly Black lesbian ever to serve in the Senate.
She also becomes only the third Black woman to serve in the Senate — and the only sitting Black woman senator. She will be sworn in Wednesday by Vice President Kamala Harris, who was the second Black female senator to serve and who also represented California in the upper chamber.
Newsom had previously promised to appoint a Black woman if the opportunity presented itself. Though many wanted to see Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) appointed, including the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Butler’s appointment has still generated approval from leading Black organizations.
In a statement, the CBC celebrated Butler’s appointment, saying that her background and experience will bring a “much-needed perspective” to the Senate.
“For many years, Laphonza Butler has been a champion for women and girls, students, and union workers, and we believe she will bring that same fight to the U.S. Senate on behalf of Californians and our entire nation,” the CBC said.
“As the first lesbian Black woman in the U.S. Senate, Laphonza will bring an important perspective to the upper house at a time when the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community are under attack. We look forward to welcoming Laphonza as the 59th member of the CBC and to continuing our work on behalf of the American people.”
Higher Heights, a PAC committed to electing more progressive Black women, said Butler’s appointment comes at a pivotal time when “a Black woman’s voice is needed more than ever in this legislative body.”
“Voices such as Butler’s are needed in the halls of Congress to advance progress on the critical issues that voters are demanding action on,” the PAC said in a statement. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to uplift Black women at all levels of government and look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes during her time as a Senator.”