I think Newsom wanted to pick an outsider and not somebody already running for the seat. That way he is not playing favorites. I just read he said if Butler wants to get in the race she can. But if not all the other candidates can win it fair and square. I am glad he picked a black woman. I do not know much about her but I was surprised she is gay. I guess she is the first black lesbian in the senate now.

Wil, thank you for sharing this article!

Gov. Newsom did the right thing by appointing a temporary placement to Sen. Feinstein’s seat.

Btw, I didn’t know Ms. Butler is gay, though I shouldn’t be that surprised.

Anyway – If things go as I hope they will next year, Rep. Barbara Lee will be voted into that seat as Sen. Barbara Lee.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday selected Laphonza Butler, a Democratic strategist and adviser to Kamala Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign, to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

In choosing Butler, Newsom fulfilled his pledge to appoint a Black woman if Feinstein’s seat became open. However, he had been facing pressure from some Black politicians and advocacy groups to select Rep. Barbara Lee, a prominent Black congresswoman who is already running for the seat.

Butler will be the only Black woman serving in the U.S. Senate, and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to represent California in the chamber.

She is deserving of Every tribute and bit of praise she receives!

May she Rest in Peace.