Laphonza Butler
Appearance
Laphonza Butler | |
---|---|
![]() Official portrait, 2023 | |
United States Senator from California | |
In office October 3, 2023 – December 8, 2024 | |
Appointed by | Gavin Newsom |
Preceded by | Dianne Feinstein |
Succeeded by | Adam Schiff |
Personal details | |
Born | Laphonza Romanique Butler May 11, 1979 Magnolia, Mississippi |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse(s) | Neneki Lee |
Children | 1 |
Education | Jackson State University (BA) |
Signature | ![]() |
Website | Senate website |
Laphonza Romanique Butler (born May 11, 1979) is an American union organizer and politician. She was a United States senator from California from 2023 to 2024.

On October 1, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom chose Butler to fill the U.S. Senate seat that was left vacant by the death of Dianne Feinstein. She is the first Black lesbian to serve in the Senate.[1]
Butler did not run for election to the Senate in 2024. She resigned from the Senate on December 8, 2024. Adam Schiff took her Senate seat.[2]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ "Newsom taps Laphonza Butler for Feinstein's Senate seat". Los Angeles Times. October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ↑ Lightman, David (December 10, 2024). "As California's Adam Schiff sworn in on US Senate floor, Laphonza Butler makes quiet exit". Sacramento Bee. Retrieved February 14, 2025.