In a surprising announcement, California Senator Laphonza Butler revealed on Thursday that she will not be seeking re-election in 2024. This decision comes less than three weeks after her appointment to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Dianne Feinstein. Senator Butler, a rising star in the Democratic Party and the second Black woman to represent California in the Senate, stated that she intends to focus on being the "loudest, proudest champion of California" for the remainder of her term. However, she realized that running for office was not the best use of her voice.

Butler, a former president of the political action committee Emily's List and a prominent labor leader in California, had been seen as a formidable candidate in the upcoming race. However, she took the time to reflect on her long-term career prospects and consulted with her wife and 9-year-old daughter before making her decision. She emphasized that her choice was not influenced by any single event or concern and did not rule out a future run for elective office.

The open race in California already features a crowded field of candidates, including three Democratic congressional members and former Major League Baseball star Steve Garvey as a Republican. Representatives Katie Porter, Adam Schiff, and Barbara Lee have been campaigning for months, and Schiff, who has the support of Nancy Pelosi, has amassed over $30 million in campaign funds. Several other Democrats, including business executive Lexi Reese and Los Angeles newscaster Christina Pascucci, have also entered the race. Additionally, conservative Republican Eric Early has thrown his hat into the ring.

Although Butler has not yet decided on endorsing any candidate in the Senate race, there are calls for her to endorse Representative Barbara Lee, a longtime Bay Area congresswoman who is Black. Aimee Allison, the founder of She the People, an organization that supports women of color in politics, urged Butler to use her influence to support Lee's candidacy.

Butler's appointment to the Senate was politically complex, with Black members of Congress advocating for Representative Lee to be chosen. Initially, Governor Gavin Newsom had stated that if Feinstein left office early, he would appoint a Black woman to serve on an interim basis only. However, he later changed course and allowed Butler to run for the seat in 2024 if she chose to do so.

Butler's decision not to run for re-election in 2024 has created an even more competitive race in California. With her departure, the field is wide open, and candidates are vying for the chance to represent the state. The primary will take place in March, with the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, advancing to the general election in November.

As Senator Butler wraps up her remaining months in office, she is determined to serve the people of California with her full energy and effort. Quoting Muhammad Ali, she stated, "Don't count the days, make the days count." She intends to do just that, focusing on making a meaningful impact during her time in the Senate.