Laphonza Butler of EMILY's List to replace Dianne Feinstein as senator
Laphonza Butler of EMILY's List to replace Dianne Feinstein as senator
A strategist who runs an organisation devoted to electing Democratic women who support abortion rights is to replace US senator Dianne Feinstein, who died last week at the age of 90.
California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed 44-year-old Laphonza Butler to the role.
She will be the only black female in the Senate, and the first LGBTQ+ person to represent California in the chamber.
Ms Feinstein, a trailblazer for female politicians, was the oldest senator.
Under Californian law, the governor can appoint a senator until the next state-wide election.
The state will then hold two concurrent Senate elections in 2024: one special election to finish out Ms Feinstein's term, which ends in January 2025 and the regularly scheduled election for the US Senate seat for a six-year term, ending in 2031.
Ms Butler is the first black woman to lead EMILY's List. Before she started the role in 2021, she was a senior campaign adviser to US Vice-President Kamala Harris during her 2020 presidential bid.
Ms Butler has also worked as director of public policy at Airbnb and as a union leader.
Last month, prior to Ms Feinstein's death, Mr Newsom pledged to appoint a black woman to serve the remainder of Ms Feinstein's term - until elections take place in November 2024 - should the post become vacant. However, he said he hoped that it was a decision he would not have to make.
Political watchers had expected Gov Newson to appoint a replacement quickly, as Ms Feinstein's death split the Senate evenly between Democrats and Republicans.
With Ms Butler's appointment, the Democrats have regained their wafer-thin majority.
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