Butler sworn in as third Black female senator in US history, replaces late California Sen. Feinstein
1 year, 2 months ago

Butler sworn in as third Black female senator in US history, replaces late California Sen. Feinstein

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Former union leader and Democratic insider Laphonza Butler was sworn in as the newest member of the Senate on Tuesday, replacing California Sen. Dianne Feinstein after her death and becoming only the third Black female senator in history. Schumer, D-N.Y., said that “today, the Senate takes another step towards fully reflecting our vibrant democracy.” He said Butler has “dedicated her entire career to fighting for others - fighting for women, fighting for working families and fighting for the cause of justice.” After she was sworn in, Biden called her to congratulate her, the White House said. Feinstein, who died after months of declining health, had held the seat since 1992, when she was elected alongside California Sen. Barbara Boxer, Moseley Braun and others in what became known as “the year of the woman.” She was a giant in California politics, having been the first female mayor of San Francisco and a force in the state’s Democratic circles. After Butler was sworn in, Schumer said that Feinstein “is looking down at this moment with pride now that her seat is in good hands.” ___ Blood reported from Los Angeles.

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History of this topic

Laphonza Butler, 1st LGBTQ+ Black U.S. senator, exits office as Democrats question identity politics
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Laphonza Butler, 1st LGBTQ+ Black U.S. senator, exits office as Democrats question identity politics

LA Times  

Earlier this year, as Republicans sought to ban books with Black history and LGBTQ+ themes from schools across the country, the nation’s first openly gay Black senator stepped onto the Senate floor and read aloud from some of them. “Because I am a Black woman, because I am a lesbian, because I am myself — a Black woman warrior poet …

Schiff to be sworn in Monday as California’s next U.S. senator
3 weeks ago

Schiff to be sworn in Monday as California’s next U.S. senator

LA Times  

Rep. Adam B. Schiff addresses a crowd gathered at a campaign event at the UA Union Hall in Orange in March. Sen.-elect Adam B. Schiff will be sworn in as California’s next U.S. senator on Monday, replacing Sen. Laphonza Butler, according to sources familiar with the arrangements. Former Assemblymember Laura Friedman, a Democrat, won election in Schiff’s House district and …

Laphonza Butler reflects on her brief Senate career, the presidential race and her future
1 month, 1 week ago

Laphonza Butler reflects on her brief Senate career, the presidential race and her future

LA Times  

Sen. Laphonza Butler, a co-chair of Vice President Kamala Harris’ White House bid, embraces someone as they wait for Harris to deliver her concession speech at Howard University after losing the presidential election. Butler described the Senate as a “foreign land” and recounted the unexpected challenges that marked her tenure, including Hamas’ stealth attack on Israel in October 2023 and …

Black women notch historic Senate wins; first transgender person elected to House
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Black women notch historic Senate wins; first transgender person elected to House

LA Times  

For the first time ever, two Black women were elected Tuesday to serve in the U.S. Senate, while voters also sent a transgender lawmaker to the U.S. House of Representatives. Delaware’s Lisa Blunt Rochester and Maryland’s Angela Alsobrooks prevailed in their races, doubling the number of Black women ever elected to the Senate — from two to four. “We increased …

2 Black women could make Senate history on Election Day
3 months, 1 week ago

2 Black women could make Senate history on Election Day

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Senate has the potential for history-making this fall, with not one, but two, Black women possibly elected to the chamber, a situation never seen in America since Congress was created more than 200 years ago. Delaware’s Lisa Blunt Rochester marks the milestone by saying that the reason she does this work is not about making history, “but …

Column: California isn’t sending a Black woman to the Senate. But Barbara Lee won anyway
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Column: California isn’t sending a Black woman to the Senate. But Barbara Lee won anyway

LA Times  

Rep. Barbara Lee’s defeat in the U.S. Senate primary was disappointing to a close-knit California sisterhood. “You got 100 people in the Senate and you don’t have one Black woman.” The “Keep the Seat” campaign was born, and the words became a rallying cry. “You’re not in a circle that raises $30 million.” Lee, left, stayed in the race despite …

California’s streak of female senators may be ending — and women appear to be a reason
10 months ago

California’s streak of female senators may be ending — and women appear to be a reason

LA Times  

When Rep. Katie Porter first ran for Congress in 2018, some of the nation’s most influential female leaders and advocacy organizations lined up to support her, including then-Sen. Kamala Harris, Emily’s List and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “People have watched him defend the institution and defend democracy against Donald Trump.” Kamlager-Dove said she’s heard from people — including many …

Column: California’s newest senator already proved she’s a rare, selfless politician
1 year, 1 month ago

Column: California’s newest senator already proved she’s a rare, selfless politician

LA Times  

Interim U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler was convinced she could win a full Senate term in next year’s elections. By resisting the temptation to seek a full six-year Senate term — the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat — Butler did herself, the Democratic Party and California citizens a big favor. “I think she would have had a very hard time even …

Newly appointed California Sen. Laphonza Butler will not seek election to a full term in 2024
1 year, 2 months ago

Newly appointed California Sen. Laphonza Butler will not seek election to a full term in 2024

Associated Press  

Follow live: Updates from AP’s coverage of the presidential election. LOS ANGELES — Newly appointed California Democratic Sen. Laphonza Butler announced Thursday she will not seek election to a full term in 2024, avoiding what would have been a costly and bruising race for the seat held for three decades by the late Dianne Feinstein. “It may not be the …

Sen. Laphonza Butler, caretaker of the late Dianne Feinstein’s seat, won’t run in 2024 election
1 year, 2 months ago

Sen. Laphonza Butler, caretaker of the late Dianne Feinstein’s seat, won’t run in 2024 election

LA Times  

The announcement by Sen. Laphonza Butler means she won’t shake up an already volatile race that includes three prominent Democrats. Labor leader and prominent Democratic activist Laphonza Butler, who was appointed to fill Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat after the veteran California politician died, announced Thursday that she would not run for a full Senate term in 2024. It may not …

Column: Black women pulled together for a Senate seat. Now it’s pulling Black women apart
1 year, 2 months ago

Column: Black women pulled together for a Senate seat. Now it’s pulling Black women apart

LA Times  

California’s new senator, Laphonza Butler, is sworn into the Congressional Black Caucus at the U.S. Capitol last week. “Every Black woman he called should have been like, ‘Do you need Barbara’s number?’” lamented one member of the sisterhood who, like so many, didn’t want to be named. “All the Black women in California, in the political sphere, were in lockstep …

Feinstein's successor Laphonza Butler takes office as California's new senator
1 year, 2 months ago

Feinstein's successor Laphonza Butler takes office as California's new senator

NPR  

Feinstein's successor Laphonza Butler takes office as California's new senator Enlarge this image toggle caption Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images Laphonza Butler, a former labor leader and Democratic strategist, was sworn-in as California's new U.S. "I can't help but think of how proud Senator Feinstein would be, seeing someone as brilliant, as accomplished, as history-making as Laphonza …

California governor chooses labor leader and Democratic insider to fill Feinstein's Senate seat
1 year, 2 months ago

California governor chooses labor leader and Democratic insider to fill Feinstein's Senate seat

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Speaking to reporters Monday in San Francisco, Newsom …

California governor chooses labor leader and Democratic insider to fill Feinstein’s Senate seat
1 year, 2 months ago

California governor chooses labor leader and Democratic insider to fill Feinstein’s Senate seat

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — When California Gov. Newsom said he told Butler to “do what you think is best for you and the state of California, and you make that judgment completely independent of any expectations from me.” Her selection drew swift criticism from Republicans, who have long struggled in a liberal-leaning state where Democrats haven’t lost a statewide election since …

Laphonza Butler Will Be The First Black, Openly LGBTQ+ Woman In The Senate Or House
1 year, 2 months ago

Laphonza Butler Will Be The First Black, Openly LGBTQ+ Woman In The Senate Or House

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Laphonza Butler, who California Gov. Laphonza’s appointment today is an exception to that rule, being a big step forward in our push for a more representative government.” “It is only right that a Black woman who has paved the way for countless others to lead is now given an opportunity to lead herself,” said NAACP president and …

Women’s Rights Campaigner Laphonza Butler Appointed California Senator, Takes Feinstein's Seat
1 year, 2 months ago

Women’s Rights Campaigner Laphonza Butler Appointed California Senator, Takes Feinstein's Seat

News 18  

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday appointed women’s rights campaigner and former labor union leader Laphonza Butler to the United States Senate, filling the vacancy left by the death of Dianne Feinstein. “I’m proud to announce California’s new United States Senator — Laphonza Butler,” Newsom posted on social media platform X, lauding the new senator for her work “fighting for …

California governor names Laphonza Butler, former Kamala Harris adviser, to Feinstein Senate seat
1 year, 2 months ago

California governor names Laphonza Butler, former Kamala Harris adviser, to Feinstein Senate seat

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has selected Laphonza Butler, a Democratic strategist and adviser to Kamala Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign, to fill the U.S. Senate seat made vacant by the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein. In choosing Butler on Sunday, Newsom fulfilled his pledge to appoint a Black woman if Feinstein’s seat became open. Butler said Monday she …

Will she run or won’t she? Laphonza Butler’s appointment could scramble California Senate race
1 year, 2 months ago

Will she run or won’t she? Laphonza Butler’s appointment could scramble California Senate race

LA Times  

The death of California Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Friday and Gov. “Butler would be a very formidable candidate who’s capable of making it into the top two,” advancing from the primary to the general election, said Feinstein’s 2018 campaign manager Jeff Millman, citing her fundraising prowess. Lee, Porter and Schiff applauded Newsom’s pick, with the Oakland representative saying she looked …

Newsom taps Laphonza Butler for Feinstein’s Senate seat
1 year, 2 months ago

Newsom taps Laphonza Butler for Feinstein’s Senate seat

LA Times  

Gavin Newsom has picked Laphonza Butler, a Democratic strategist who rose to prominence in the labor movement, to fill the Senate seat held by Dianne Feinstein, who died Friday at age 90. “An advocate for women and girls, a second-generation fighter for working people, and a trusted adviser to Vice President Harris, Laphonza Butler represents the best of California, and …

California Gov. Newsom will pick Feinstein’s replacement. He pledged in past to choose a Black woman
1 year, 2 months ago

California Gov. Newsom will pick Feinstein’s replacement. He pledged in past to choose a Black woman

Associated Press  

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Democrats’ fragile majority in the U.S. Senate puts extra pressure on California Gov. He also has said he would avoid the field of candidates already campaigning for the post, which will be on the ballot next year and includes Rep. Barbara Lee, one of the state’s most prominent Black women currently serving in elected office. Aimee …

Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, trailblazer and champion of liberal priorities, dies at age 90
1 year, 2 months ago

Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, trailblazer and champion of liberal priorities, dies at age 90

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, a centrist Democrat and champion of liberal causes who was elected to the Senate in 1992 and broke gender barriers throughout her long career in local and national politics, has died. President Joe Biden, who served with Feinstein for years in the Senate, called her “a pioneering American,” a “true trailblazer” and …

Dianne Feinstein, California's first woman in Senate, dies
1 year, 2 months ago

Dianne Feinstein, California's first woman in Senate, dies

LA Times  

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein survived an assassination attempt and a mayoral recall effort to become the most popular politician in California for years running. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend.” He said in a statement that Feinstein was a woman who “made history in so many ways.. Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, …

Barbara Lee to Newsom: Choosing a Black woman for short-term appointment is ‘insulting’
1 year, 3 months ago

Barbara Lee to Newsom: Choosing a Black woman for short-term appointment is ‘insulting’

LA Times  

Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s recent health troubles and advanced age have focused attention and pressure on another former San Francisco mayor: It would be up to Gov. Despite pressure on Newsom to appoint a Black woman to take Harris’ seat, the Democratic governor instead tapped then-Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a longtime political ally who made history as California’s first Latino …

California’s Feinstein returns to Senate after monthslong absence
1 year, 7 months ago

California’s Feinstein returns to Senate after monthslong absence

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — California Sen. Dianne Feinstein returned to the Senate on Wednesday after a two-and-a-half-month absence due to illness, giving majority Democrats a much-needed final vote as they seek to confirm President Joe Biden’s nominees and raise the nation’s debt ceiling in the coming weeks. “I’m hopeful those issues will subside as I continue to recover.” f93f03adf8b8447eb2a9dacac4d68fd0 Feinstein’s return after …

Feinstein returning to Senate after facing resignation calls
1 year, 7 months ago

Feinstein returning to Senate after facing resignation calls

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s office disclosed Tuesday that she is returning to Washington following an absence of more than two months in which the oldest member of Congress faced calls from within her own party to resign. Few details emerged on Feinstein’s condition, and some Democrats openly complained that her lengthy absence was compromising the Democratic agenda in the …

Feinstein matter stirs angst among some Senate peers
1 year, 8 months ago

Feinstein matter stirs angst among some Senate peers

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — For some senators, the Democratic effort to temporarily replace ailing 89-year-old Dianne Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee is about speeding up confirmation of President Joe Biden’s federal court nominees. Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who is the same age as the California Democrat and has worked with her for three decades on the committee, said he thinks …

After calls to resign, Feinstein seeks Judiciary replacement
1 year, 8 months ago

After calls to resign, Feinstein seeks Judiciary replacement

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, who has faced calls to resign from fellow Democrats, asked Wednesday to be temporarily replaced on the Judiciary Committee while she recovers from illness that has kept her away from Washington for weeks. “In the meantime, I remain committed to the job and will continue to work from home in San …

Feinstein’s absence puts focus on Newsom’s promise to appoint a Black woman as senator
1 year, 8 months ago

Feinstein’s absence puts focus on Newsom’s promise to appoint a Black woman as senator

LA Times  

Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif speaks at a news conference at the Capitol in Washington in Feb. 2022. “The governor could complicate his legacy and push Black women, who in this state are a significant and critical voting bloc, to view him skeptically as someone who’s unwilling to support us when it counts.” The 100-member Senate does not include a single …

California Dem Ro Khanna Will Not Run for Senate, Endorses Barbara Lee's Bid
1 year, 8 months ago

California Dem Ro Khanna Will Not Run for Senate, Endorses Barbara Lee's Bid

News 18  

California Democratic Party and House of Representative member Ro Khanna announced on Sunday that he will not be running for Senate next year. The Indian-American will endorse fellow California House of Representative Barbara Lee’s campaign to replace retiring California Democratic Party senator Dianne Feinstein in the US Senate. A close ally of Vermont’s independent senator Bernie Sanders, Khanna, praised Lee …

Rep. Barbara Lee joins race for California US Senate seat
1 year, 10 months ago

Rep. Barbara Lee joins race for California US Senate seat

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee on Tuesday formally launched her campaign for the Senate seat held by the retiring Dianne Feinstein, joining two fellow House Democrats in the race in the nation’s most populous state. In a video posted on Twitter, Lee ran through a list of the personal and professional battles she has taken on in her …

Rep. Barbara Lee kicks off Senate campaign to replace Feinstein
1 year, 10 months ago

Rep. Barbara Lee kicks off Senate campaign to replace Feinstein

LA Times  

Rep. Barbara Lee, seen on the House floor in 2020, announced Tuesday that she’s joining the 2024 Senate race. My lived experience and the work I’ve done — trying to lift people out of poverty, addressing issues around reproductive justice, the climate crisis, public safety, and working to get the job done on behalf of people — is what the …

These Democrats hoping to replace Feinstein largely agree on policy. So how do they differ?
1 year, 10 months ago

These Democrats hoping to replace Feinstein largely agree on policy. So how do they differ?

LA Times  

Democratic Reps. Barbara Lee of Oakland, Adam B. Schiff of Burbank and Katie Porter of Irvine, from left, hope to replace retiring Sen. Dianne Feinstein. The biggest names vying to replace retiring Sen. Dianne Feinstein largely agree on many issues dearest to Democratic voters, so their differing political passions, generational perspectives and life stories will likely be front and center …

California Sen. Feinstein says she won’t run for reelection
1 year, 10 months ago

California Sen. Feinstein says she won’t run for reelection

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, whose groundbreaking political career shattered gender barriers from San Francisco’s City Hall to the corridors of Capitol Hill, said Tuesday she won’t seek reelection in 2024. “She changed this country and she was a woman on the front lines in fights, like access to assault weapons, and national security and intelligence.” Warren added: …

Dianne Feinstein Announces She’s Not Running For Reelection In 2024
1 year, 10 months ago

Dianne Feinstein Announces She’s Not Running For Reelection In 2024

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Sen. Dianne Feinstein announced Tuesday that she won’t run for reelection in 2024, signaling an end to her more than 30 years in the Senate. Tom Williams via Getty Images Shortly after her office released her statement, Feinstein told Capitol Hill reporters that it “wasn’t supposed to go out yet.” She said her decision not to run …

Rep. Barbara Lee tells colleagues she plans to run for Feinstein’s Senate seat in 2024
1 year, 11 months ago

Rep. Barbara Lee tells colleagues she plans to run for Feinstein’s Senate seat in 2024

LA Times  

Rep. Barbara Lee was considered a top contender for a potential appointment to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein if the senator were to vacate her seat before her term expires. Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee of Oakland, a seasoned progressive with more than three decades immersed in California politics, on Wednesday told congressional colleagues she plans to run for Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s …

Rep. Katie Porter seeking Feinstein’s Senate seat in 2024
1 year, 11 months ago

Rep. Katie Porter seeking Feinstein’s Senate seat in 2024

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Democratic Rep. Katie Porter of California said Tuesday she will seek the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a fellow Democrat and the oldest member of the chamber. “That’s exactly why I’m announcing my candidacy for the United States Senate in 2024.” Porter is a progressive Democrat who was first elected to Congress in 2018 …

Newsom will appoint Black woman if Feinstein retires early
3 years, 9 months ago

Newsom will appoint Black woman if Feinstein retires early

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday he’d appoint a Black woman to replace U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein if she retires before her term is up in 2024. He faced competing pressure to name a Latino and a Black woman and eventually chose Alex Padilla, making him California’s first Latino U.S. senator. U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee of Oakland …

Newsom has considered successors, but Feinstein says she isn’t stepping down
3 years, 9 months ago

Newsom has considered successors, but Feinstein says she isn’t stepping down

LA Times  

Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Tuesday found herself once again swatting back speculation that she might retire and insisted she would serve out the entirety of her fifth full term as California’s senior senator. The embattled California governor added: “I have multiple names in mind.” Newsom’s willingness to publicly speculate about replacing a sitting U.S. senator who has not announced plans …

Newsom pledges to appoint a Black woman to replace Feinstein if she retires
3 years, 9 months ago

Newsom pledges to appoint a Black woman to replace Feinstein if she retires

LA Times  

Gavin Newsom speaks at a news conference in Sacramento on Feb. 27. Newsom said Monday he would nominate a Black woman to fill Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat, were she to retire. Gavin Newsom pledged Monday to nominate a Black woman to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein if the 87-year-old decides to retire before her term is up in 2024. “I have …

Kamala Harris: America’s first female, Black vice president
3 years, 11 months ago

Kamala Harris: America’s first female, Black vice president

Al Jazeera  

Harris was California’s first Black attorney general and the first woman of South Asian heritage elected to the Senate. Kamala Harris smashed through one of the United States’ highest glass ceilings on Wednesday, becoming the first woman, first Black American and first person of Asian heritage to be appointed vice president, blazing a trail in the most diverse White House …

Gov. Newsom challenged to address Senate’s lack of diversity
4 years ago

Gov. Newsom challenged to address Senate’s lack of diversity

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Should California get its first Latino U.S. senator or should the 100-member chamber maintain one Black woman’s voice? The only Black woman to be a major party’s nominee for Senate this year — Marquita Bradshaw in Tennessee — was not supported by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “But that just did not happen for Tennessee.” Black women’s …

Feinstein says she hasn't considered leaving Senate early
4 years ago

Feinstein says she hasn't considered leaving Senate early

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California said this week she …

Column: Should California’s next U.S. senator be Black or Latino? Both if Feinstein quits
4 years ago

Column: Should California’s next U.S. senator be Black or Latino? Both if Feinstein quits

LA Times  

When the leader of California’s Legislative Black Caucus talks about why it should be a Black woman who replaces Kamala Harris in the U.S. Senate, she often comes back to the old adage about political power. “If you don’t have a seat at the table,” Assemblywoman Shirley Weber told me, “then you’re on the menu.” And Black people in California …

Dianne Feinstein to step down as top Democrat on Senate Judiciary Committee following Supreme Court hearing backlash
4 years, 1 month ago

Dianne Feinstein to step down as top Democrat on Senate Judiciary Committee following Supreme Court hearing backlash

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Senator Dianne Feinstein of California has announced she will not …

Dianne Feinstein Won't Seek Senate Judiciary Leadership After Backlash
4 years, 1 month ago

Dianne Feinstein Won't Seek Senate Judiciary Leadership After Backlash

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Sen. Dianne Feinstein said Monday that she will not seek a leadership position in any of the chamber’s committees next year, including the coveted Senate Judiciary Committee where she currently serves as the ranking Democrat. I thought it was a very poor set of hearings.” Senate Judiciary Committee ranking member Sen. Dianne Feinstein speaks during an Oct. …

Who will be Kamala Harris' successor as California senator?
4 years, 1 month ago

Who will be Kamala Harris' successor as California senator?

LA Times  

With the presidential race called for Democrat Joe Biden and his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, on Saturday, California Gov. He might select a Black woman to replace Harris, who was only the second Black woman in the nation’s history to serve in the U.S. Senate. In congratulating Biden and Harris, Newsom said he is confident that they “can turn …

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