With the recent sudden passing of California Senator Dianne Feinstein, a battle for her vacated seat has already begun. Democratic leaders have come to a consensus and have chosen Laphonza Butler as the destined successor. Who is Laphonza Butler, and why was she chosen for this role?
Laphonza Butler is an experienced union organizer and advocate that has dedicated her career to fighting for labor rights and improving the lives of workers. Born in Los Angeles in 1976, Butler was the daughter of a single mother and was encouraged by her mother to advocate for others. She says her mother instilled in her a “strong sense of service to the underserved and disenfranchised” which led her to pursue a career in labor rights.
Before being chosen to replace Senator Feinstein as the new California Senator, Butler focused most of her attention on fighting the massive wage gap between private and public sector workers. She originally served as the vice president of SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West and then held the position of president of the same union from 2015 to 2020. During her 6 years as president, Butler negotiated for significant wage increases and better working conditions for healthcare workers across California.
After her impressive track record at SEIU, Laphonza Butler was given the nod from California Democratic leaders to fill the vacant senate seat of Senator Dianne Feinstein. She has advocated for economic equality and higher wages and is a strong proponent of worker rights. As the new senator for California, she plans on continuing to fight for a living wage for all, as well as a genuine economic opportunity.
Butler will also be the first black woman to represent California in the Senate, and as a mother of two, she is committed to advocating for gender and racial diversity in leadership roles. In a statement, Butler described her feelings on being appointed to the Senate role saying “As the first African American woman to represent California in the United States Senate, it will be my honor to serve this state that I love as we work together to create an equitable and just future for all.”
Laphonza Butler is a dynamic and passionate leader whose fight for workers’ rights and gender and racial diversity in leadership makes her an outstanding candidate for the vacated Senate seat of Dianne Feinstein. Her commitment to serving the people of California and her impressive professional background give her the unique skill set needed to effectively lead in the nation’s Senate chambers.