Laphonza Butler takes Late Dianne Feinstein's Place in Senate

By Lilyan Beck

---

Laphonza Butler has been chosen by California Governor, Gavin Newsom, to fill the seat of late Senator, Dianne Feinstein.

This new election comes after the 90-year-old senator died on Thursday. She was the longest serving woman in the Senate.

Butler will begin as senator immediately and will remain in office until November 2024 (Image from CNN)

Butler will be the third ever Black woman to serve in the Senate as well as the first openly gay person to represent California.

Butler said in a statement today, "I am honored to accept Gov. Newsom’s nomination to be a U.S. Senator for a state I have long called home. 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."

Butler will remain in the seat until the the next senator is voted in by voters in November of 2024.

---