October 2, 2023
Last night, California Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler, President of EMILY’s List, to the U.S. Senate. Her appointment is monumental as the first openly LGBTQ+ woman to represent California, and as the sole Black woman to serve in the Senate for the 118th Congress – being only the third Black woman to do so in U.S. history. Butler will fill the seat of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein until the 2024 Senatorial elections next November. NHMC congratulates Laphonza Butler on this historic accomplishment and commends Governor Newsom for ensuring the state’s rich diversity is reflected in who represents California at the federal level.
Laphonza Butler’s admirable leadership at EMILY’s List and remarkable track record as a champion of workers' rights distinguishes her as an excellent selection for the role. Butler’s previous roles include serving as President of SEIU Local 2015, the largest homecare workers union in the nation, as Director of Public Policy and Campaigns in North America for Airbnb, and as Senior Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris during her presidential campaign.
NHMC looks forward to witnessing the great work Butler will carry out on behalf of California throughout her term in the Senate.
Yours in the Movement,
Brenda Victoria Castillo
President & CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition
