Laphonza Butler Sworn Into Senate

Vice President Kamala Harris swears in Senator Laphonza Butler on October 3, 2023 on the Senate Floor (Image courtesy of the Office of Senator Laphonza Butler).

Laphonza Butler makes history as the first LGBTQ person to serve as senator representing the state of California.

Article by Isabel Cantor, Associate Reporter

WASHINGTON - Laphonza Butler was sworn into the senate on Tuesday, October 3rd. She fills the seat of Democratic Senator Diane Feinstein, who died the previous week at the age of 90. She was the longest-serving woman in the Senate.

Aside from the honor of becoming senator, Butler made history on Tuesday, as she is the first LGBTQ person to represent the state of California in the Senate. In addition, she is the third black woman to serve as a senator.

Gavin Newsom, California’s Governor, selected Butler to serve as the next senator. Vice President Kamala Harris administered the oath of office to Butler, officially making her a senator. The two have supported each other for a while, which made Tuesday even more meaningful.

Butler has led EMILY's List as the third president of the committee since 2021. EMILY’s List is an organization that works to help elect Democratic, pro-choice women across the country.

In a statement released on Monday, Butler stated, “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."