Laphonza Butler

Laphonza Butler
Official portrait, 2023
United States Senator from California
Incumbent
Assumed office October 1, 2023 Serving with Alex Padilla
Appointed by	Gavin Newsom
Preceded by	Dianne Feinstein
Personal details
Born	Laphonza Romanique Butler (1979-05-11) May 11, 1979 (age 44) Magnolia, Mississippi, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Neneki Lee
Children	1
Education	Jackson State University (BA)
Signature
Website	Senate website
Laphonza Butler's voice Laphonza Butler on her appointment to the Senate and early life Recorded January 17, 2024

Laphonza Romanique Butler (/ləˈfɔːnzə/ lə-FON-zə; born May 11, 1979) is an American labor union official and politician serving as the junior United States senator from California since 2023. Butler began her career as a union organizer, and served as president of California SEIU State Council from 2013 to 2018. A member of the Democratic Party, she was a regent of the University of California system from 2018 to 2021, and the president of EMILY's List from 2021 to 2023.

On October 1, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom chose Butler to fill the United States Senate seat left vacant by the death of Dianne Feinstein. She is the first openly lesbian African American to serve in the Senate.