California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced his selection of Laphonza Butler to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat left by the late Senator Dianne Feinstein. Butler, a Democratic strategist and adviser to Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, was chosen by Newsom after facing pressure from Black politicians and advocacy groups to select Representative Barbara Lee. By appointing Butler, Newsom has fulfilled his promise to appoint a Black woman if Feinstein's seat became vacant.

Butler, who currently leads Emily's List, a political organization that supports Democratic women candidates who favor abortion rights, will be the only Black woman serving in the U.S. Senate. Additionally, she will be the first openly LGBTQ person to represent California in the chamber. Despite living in Maryland, according to her Emily's List biography, she will be sworn in as early as Tuesday evening once the Senate returns to session.

The appointment of Butler will give the Democratic caucus more flexibility on close votes, including nominations that Republicans uniformly oppose. With Democrats currently holding a 51-49 majority in the Senate, Newsom's quick appointment will help maintain their control. However, the seat is expected to remain in Democratic hands in the 2024 election, as Democrats in California have not lost a statewide election since 2006 and hold a significant voter registration advantage over Republicans.

Butler, who has never held elected office, has a long track record in California politics. She previously served as a senior adviser to Kamala Harris' 2020 presidential campaign and has worked for other prominent state Democrats. She briefly worked in the private sector for Airbnb as well. In a statement following Feinstein's death, Butler referred to the late senator as a "legendary figure for women in politics and around the country."

Newsom's decision to appoint Butler comes after he previously selected California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to fill the Senate seat vacated by Kamala Harris when she became vice president. This has given Newsom significant influence and the status of a kingmaker among the state's ambitious Democrats.

The appointment of Butler will also have implications for the 2024 election, as several prominent Democrats, including Barbara Lee, Katie Porter, and Adam Schiff, are competing for the Senate seat. Newsom has stated that he did not want to appoint any of the candidates, as it would give them an unfair advantage in the race. The deadline for candidates to file for the office is December 8.

In addition to next year's scheduled Democratic Senate primary, a special election is expected to be held for California voters to choose who will finish out the last few months of Feinstein's term. It remains to be seen if Butler, along with Lee, Porter, and others, will enter the special election for the remainder of Feinstein's term. Butler's appointment provides her with the opportunity to run for a full term in 2024, as there is no precondition that this must be a temporary replacement.