California Sen. Laphonza Butler Has Announced That She Would Not Compete For Re-Election In 2024

California Sen. Laphonza Butler’s 2024 Re-Election Decision: Exclusive Insights on Why Sen. Laphonza Butler Won’t Seek Re-Election. After Feinstein passed away at the age of 90 last month, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom selected Butler to represent California in the Senate. Butler is the first LGBTQ person to hold this position. On October 3rd, she was sworn into office.

“Knowing you can win a campaign does not always mean that you should run a campaign,” Butler said in a statement.

“I’ve spent the last 16 days working on gaining clarity about the sort of life I want to live, the kind of service I want to provide, and the kind of voice I want to put forth in the world. Following careful consideration of those above, I have concluded that I will not be running for the Senate in the forthcoming election.

It was initially reported in the New York Times that she had made the choice. Butler, who is the third Black woman to serve in the Senate, said that she would fulfill the remainder of Feinstein’s term, which will conclude in January 2025, with “every ounce of energy and effort that I have.” Butler is the third Black woman to serve in the Senate.

Newsom had stated before Feinstein’s passing that he intended to make an “interim” appointment if he needed to fill her seat. He argued that he didn’t want to tip the scales toward any of the current Senate candidates in next year’s election.

These candidates include Democratic Representatives Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee. Newsom’s statement came after Feinstein passed away.

After some time had passed, Newsom clarified that there were no limitations placed on Butler’s appointment and that she was free to run for office the next year if she so desired.

Since 2021, Butler has served as the leader of EMILY’s List, an organization whose mission is to elect Democratic women who are in favor of abortion rights.

In the message that she released on Thursday, she added that many people would be surprised by her choice since “traditionally, we don’t see those who have power letting it go.” It may not be the choice that other people would have made, but I feel like it’s the best one for me.

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