BUTLER, Laphonza Romanique, will become the first Black lesbian to openly serve in the Senate. She will serve out the remainder of a Senate term left vacant by the death of Dianne Feinstein, who represented California for three decades. Born in Magnolia, Miss., May 11, 1979; graduated South Pike High School, Magnolia, Miss., 1997; B.A., political science, Jackson State University, 2001; union organizer and president; political campaign consultant and strategist; political action committee executive; University of California Board of Regents 2018-2021; appointed as a Democrat to the United States Senate on October 1, 2023, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Dianne Feinstein; took the oath of office on October 3, 2023.
More information:
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/10/01/governor-gavin-newsom-appoints-laphonza-butler-senate/
