Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Senator-elect Adam Schiff to fill the remaining U.S. Senate term of Senator Laphonza Butler following her resignation. The announcement was made in Sacramento and comes after Senator Butler’s decision to step down effective December 8, 2024, allowing Californians to have their elected representative in place promptly.
Senator-elect Schiff, who secured election for a full term starting January, is set to be sworn in on Monday, December 9, 2024. Governor Newsom expressed gratitude towards Senator Butler for her contributions during her tenure: “When Senator Laphonza Butler took her seat in the Senate a year ago, she brought with her a lifetime of lessons learned from organizing and advocating for opportunity and justice. In just a short time, she has left an indelible mark — proving that true leadership isn’t measured by the length of service, but by the depth of impact.”
Governor Newsom further acknowledged Butler’s dedication: “Laphonza has never shied away from fighting for what’s right. She works not for recognition, but for the greater good — a commitment that began long before her time in the Senate and will continue well beyond it.” He also thanked her for honoring Dianne Feinstein’s legacy: “Thank you, Senator Butler, for your dedication and service and for honoring the life and legacy of the late Dianne Feinstein, a legacy I’m confident Senator-elect Schiff will also carry forward.”
In October 2023, Governor Newsom had appointed Butler to complete the U.S. Senate term of late Senator Dianne Feinstein. Prior to this role, Butler served as President of EMILY’s List and was known as an advocate for women and working people. She holds historical significance as the first openly LGBTQ person representing California in the U.S. Senate and was also recognized as both the first Black lesbian openly serving in Congress and the third Black woman in the U.S. Senate.
During her time in office, Senator Butler focused on policies aimed at enhancing worker protections, increasing wages, expanding affordable housing options, and creating economic opportunities across California.
The Proclamation of Appointment text for Senator-elect Schiff is available publicly.
