Laphonza Butler is “Ready to Serve” as California’s Newest Senator
Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Democratic strategist Laphonza Butler to the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Dianne Feinstein, who died on Thursday. Butler is the president of Emily’s List, a political action committee that helps elect women who support abortion rights. She’s also a former labor leader, advisor to vice-president Kamala Harris, and University of California regent. When she is sworn in, Newsom will have fulfilled his promise to appoint a Black woman, and Butler will be the first openly LGBT senator from the state. We’ll learn more about Butler – who tweeted Monday that she is “ready to serve” – and what her appointment means for the U.S. Senate race currently underway.
Guests:
Aimee Allison, founder and president, She the People - A national organization dedicated to building the political power of women of color
Marisa Lagos, politics correspondent, KQED; co-host, KQED's Political Breakdown show
Melanie Mason, senior political correspondent covering California politics, Politico
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