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“Who’s the New Senator Replacing Dianne Feinstein? Get to Know Laphonza Butler!

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently appointed Laphonza Butler as the first African American woman to represent California in the US Senate. She will be replacing Senator Dianne Feinstein who represented California since 1992. Butler is a lifelong advocate of social justice and labor rights and her appointment is important in emphasizing California’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity. Born and raised in Palmdale, California, Laphonza Butler attended Stanford University where she earned her degree in Psychology. From there, Butler pursued a law degree at Georgetown University Law Center before entering the legal field. She started her legal career at the National Women’s Law Center in Washington D.C., where she worked as a staff attorney and a legislative analyst. After gaining valuable experience in the field of labor and employment law, Butler moved back to California where she successfully pursued a long-term career in labor rights advocacy. At the SEIU, Butler was the first woman to serve as the union’s president in California. Additionally, she had a successful tenure at the union, leading more than 700,000 members in California and Nevada in their fight for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Butler is a respected leader in the labor movement and she has long been an advocate for economic justice and workers’ rights. She has fought for an increase in minimum wage, and has supported increasing access to child care services. Additionally, Butler strongly advocates for policies that improve the quality of life of all working families. Butler’s appointment to the US Senate signifies the importance and the value that California attaches to workers’ rights and inclusiveness. Her dedication, experience, and skills to help California is an example of how the journey of one person can make a global difference.