This latest announcement has left many stunned, as it certainly heats things up for a key Senate race in the very near future. Recently appointed junior Senator for California, Laphonza Butler, took to Twitter to share that she would not be running for a full time in the US Senate.
Governor Gavin Newsom had previously pledged to appoint a Black woman to fill the seat of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein and while Butler expressed her belief that she could win a campaign, it didn’t necessarily mean she should run one.
In her statement on social media, Butler shared her thoughts on what kind of life she wants to have and how best to serve her constituents. She noted that while some may expect her to hold onto power this was not the right decision for herself.
According to Butler, California voters want leaders who think about them and their issues which is something she can still do even if she doesn’t launch a full campaign. To finish off her post, Butler quoted Muhammad Ali by saying “don’t count the days make the days count” seemingly affirming her commitment to serving Californians despite not running in an election.
do with the responsibility and power they have.
I’ve spent the past 16 days pursuing my own clarity – what kind of life I want to have, what kind of service I want to offer and what kind of voice I want to bring forward.— Laphonza Butler (@LaphonzaB) October 19, 2023
It may not be the decision people expected but it's the right one for me.
California voters want leaders who think about them and the issues they care most about. I now have 383 days to serve the people of California with every ounce of energy and effort that I have.
— Laphonza Butler (@LaphonzaB) October 19, 2023
Butler had been president of EMILY’S List and former advisor Kamala Harris but registered voting in Maryland caused controversy when first announced as senator. This created pressure from political groups on Newsom as he was urged to appoint a black woman instead of Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA).
Lee later criticized Newsom’s choice calling it an insult given black women have continually supported Democrats over other parties.
Despite speculation that Newsom would run for president in 2024 after his pledge last March; he has now come out in support of President Joe Biden publicly urging Democrats rally behind him – at least until further notice.
The passing of Dianne Feinstein provided another chance for Newsom remain in spotlight yet again with his choice.