Laphonza Butler Is Named , to Late Dianne Feinstein’s Senate Seat.<br />Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving woman in Senate history, died at the age of 90 on Sept. 29.<br />On Oct. 1, California Gov. Gavin Newsom named EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler to fill the vacant seat, 'The Hill' reports. .<br />On Oct. 1, California Gov. Gavin Newsom named EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler to fill the vacant seat, 'The Hill' reports. .<br />Butler, who is also a former adviser to <br />Vice President Kamala Harris, .<br />Butler, who is also a former adviser to <br />Vice President Kamala Harris, .<br />will make history by becoming the first openly gay Black woman to serve in the Senate.<br />I’m proud to announce California’s new United States Senator — Laphonza Butler, Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement.<br />As we mourn the enormous loss of <br />Sen. Feinstein, the very freedoms she <br />fought for — reproductive freedom, equal <br />protection, and safety from gun violence — <br />have never been under greater assault. , Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement.<br />Laphonza has spent her entire <br />career fighting for women and girls and has <br />been a fierce advocate for working people, Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement.<br />Previously, Newsom said he would fill Feinstein's Senate position with someone who is not currently running for the seat.<br />However, he is not asking Butler to stay out <br />of the race if she decides she'd like to run.<br />The deadline to submit paperwork <br />for the Senate race is Dec. 8.<br />The deadline to submit paperwork <br />for the Senate race is Dec. 8
