California Governor Gavin Newsom has chosen Laphonza Butler, the president of Emily's List and a former labor leader, to fill the Senate vacancy left by the death of Dianne Feinstein. This decision, confirmed by an official familiar with the matter, is expected to be announced on Monday. Butler, who has been a prominent figure in California politics for almost 15 years, previously led the state's largest union and served as an advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris before taking the helm at Emily's List.

The appointment comes just four days after Senator Feinstein passed away in Washington, D.C. Her body was flown back to San Francisco over the weekend, where a memorial service has been scheduled for Thursday. Governor Newsom's choice of Butler to fill Feinstein's seat is significant on multiple fronts. Not only does it mark a historic moment, as Butler would become the first openly serving Black lesbian in the U.S. Senate, but it also highlights Newsom's commitment to diversity and representation.

Laphonza Butler has an impressive track record, having dedicated her career to advocating for women and working people. Prior to her role at Emily's List, she served as a senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris. Additionally, Butler held the position of president in California's largest labor union, representing over 325,000 nursing home and home-care workers throughout the state. Governor Newsom praised Butler's dedication to fighting for women and girls, as well as her unwavering support for working people, in a social media post.

Dianne Feinstein, Butler's predecessor, made a significant impact during her time in the Senate. As the longest-serving woman senator, Feinstein was a staunch advocate for gun control and played a pivotal role in implementing the first federal assault weapons ban. She also played a crucial part in documenting the CIA's use of torture on foreign terrorism suspects.

The announcement of Laphonza Butler as the chosen successor to Dianne Feinstein is a developing story, and updates are expected to follow. The appointment of Butler not only brings representation and diversity to the Senate but also highlights the continued importance of advocating for women's rights and working-class individuals.