Laphonza Butler — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Served as a United States Senator from California (2023-2024), becoming the first openly LGBT African American to hold the position.
President of EMILY's List from 2021 to 2023.
President of the California SEIU State Council from 2013 to 2018.
Appointed by Governor Jerry Brown as a Regent of the University of California system, serving from 2018 to 2021.
Began her career as a union organizer for nurses, janitors, and hospital workers.
Earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Jackson State University in 2001.

Biography

Laphonza Butler is an American labor union official and former politician who served as a United States Senator from California from 2023 to 2024. Appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Dianne Feinstein, she made history as the first openly LGBT African American to serve in the Senate. Butler announced on October 19, 2023, that she would not seek a full term in the 2024 election.