New California Senator Named as Gov. Gavin Newsom Reveals Late Dianne Feinstein's Replacement

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he will replace the recently-passed Senator Dianne Feinstein with a known labor union leader named Laphonza Butler.

Feinstein was Gavin Newsom's mentor in politics and is considered a feminist icon and a legend not just in California politics but also at the national level. Filling her now-vacated Senate seat would have been a tall task as there were many well-established California politicians who could have taken the job.

However, Newsom went with Butler, who currently heads a national organization that raises money for women candidates who support abortion rights.

According to the Associated Press, she is a "familiar face who shares his vision for a progressive California." By choosing her to fill his late mentor's seat, Newsom also "elevated someone who could become an important ally for a potential national campaign," as many see him running for the presidency in the future.

Once sworn in, she will also make history as the first openly LGBTQ+ California senator. She will also be the only Black woman in the US Senate today. Her background in labor and women's rights also solidifies the California governor's ties to those movements that have been deemed important to national Democratic constituencies.

Gavin Newsom Happy With His Pick To Fill Late Senator Dianne Feinstein's Senate Seat

The Governor was all praises for Butler, seemingly happy with his own pick to be California's next senator. He then listed reasons why the 44-year-old labor leader is an ideal candidate for the job left behind by his former mentor, according to Politico.

"I just think Laphonza Butler is uniquely positioned, simply the best person that I could find for this moment in this job," he said during a Democratic congressional fundraiser in San Francisco. He previously pledged to fill the seat with a Black woman and has followed through with that promise.

Newsom also praised his new pick's "deep knowledge" of the legislative process and added that she was the kind of candidate he would build "if I had to literally design from my imagination." The California governor added more praise to her, saying, "She's the only choice."

Butler is expected to serve out much of what was left in Dianne Feinstein's unfinished term in office. It is slated to end next year. However, several big names are also gunning for that Senate seat in the next election, including Representatives Barabara Lee, Adam Schiff, and Katie Porter.

Who Is Laphonza Butler, the Next California Senator?

Laphonza Butler is the current president of EMILY's List and is a supporter of getting Democratic women who support abortion rights elected. When Feinstein passed away, she posted a tribute to the deceased former senator, calling her "a titan in the Senate" and "a legendary figure for women in politics and around the country."

When Newsom named her as Feinstein's successor, she released a statement saying, "I am honored to accept Gov. Newsom's nomination to be a US Senator for a state I have long called home,"

She added, "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."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Gavin Newsom Taps Laphonza Butler to Fill Sen. Feinstein's Seat, Rejecting Calls to Pick Barbara Lee - Democracy Now!