Laphonza Butler sworn in as senator & becomes the first out LGBTQ+ senator of color

Out lesbian Laphonza Butler was officially sworn in on Tuesday as the newest U.S. Senator from California, taking over the seat of the late Dianne Feinstein, who passed away on Friday at 90 years old.

Butler has become the first out LGBTQ+ person of color to serve as a senator. She is also only the third-ever Black woman to serve in the Senate. In a full-circle moment, she was sworn in to thunderous applause by Vice President Kamala Harris, who was the second-ever Black woman to serve in the Senate, also from California.

Related:

Lesbian powerhouse Laphonza Butler to fill Diane Feinstein’s Senate seat

Here’s what you need to know about her.

In an Instagram post yesterday, Butler wrote that she is honored to accept the nomination from California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). “No one will ever measure up to the legacy of Sen. Dianne Feinstein,” she added, “but I will do my best to honor her legacy and leadership by committing to work for women and girls, workers and unions, struggling parents, and all of California. I am ready to serve.”

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Butler’s appointment helps ensure that the narrowly divided Senate will maintain its slight Democratic control leading into the 2024 elections. She is known as a savvy political consultant, union leader, and fundraising powerhouse for female pro-choice candidates.

She served as a senior strategist in Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign, has worked as the director for public policy and campaigns at the homestay rentals company Airbnb, served as president of the California chapter of the Service Employees International Union (representing 325,000 nursing home and home-care workers throughout the state), and served on the University of California Board of Regents.

She and wife Neneki Lee have an eight-year-old daughter, Nylah.

If Butler decides to run for the seat when it comes up for re-election in 2024, she will face other competitors who have already announced their candidacy, including Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), tech executive Lexi Reese (D), twice failed California attorney general candidate Eric Earl (R), and thrice failed U.S. congressional candidate James P. Bradley (R).