Newly Appointed California Senator Laphonza Butler Will Not Seek Re-Election
Butler’s Decision to Focus on Appointed Position
Newly appointed California Senator Laphonza Butler, a Democrat, has announced that she will not seek a new U.S. Senate term next year. Instead, Butler, a former labor organizer and political fundraiser, expressed her commitment to focusing on the remaining time in her appointed position, which spans just over a year.
Relief for Governor Gavin Newsom
This decision comes as a relief for California Governor Gavin Newsom, a fellow Democrat, who had previously stated his intention to remain neutral in a crowded field of candidates vying for the Senate seat.
“Knowing you can win a campaign doesn’t always mean you should run a campaign,” Butler shared on social media platform X. “I know this will be a surprise to many because traditionally we don’t see those who have power let it go.”
Democratic Candidates in the Running
Among the Democrats seeking to replace the late Senator Dianne Feinstein in heavily Democratic California are Congressional representatives Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee. On the Republican side, former baseball star Steve Garvey has thrown his hat into the ring.
An Unconventional Choice
Butler’s appointment as the first openly lesbian Black U.S. Senator was met with enthusiasm by many. However, it also drew criticism due to her lack of prior elective office experience and her non-residency in the state.
While Butler’s decision not to seek re-election may come as a surprise, it exemplifies her commitment to making the most of her appointed position. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the race for California’s Senate seat remains an intriguing one.
