True to his word, California Governor Gavin Newsom named a black woman to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Dianne Feinstein.
And not just any black woman. Laphonza Butler is a black lesbian woman, and for that, according to Newsom, “She will make history.”
Sure, Butler has other qualifications for the job. She’s been involved in California politics for nearly 15 years, and she used to head up the Golden State’s largest labor union, according to The New York Times.
Butler was also “an adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris,” The Times reports. “In 2021, she became the first Black woman to take the helm at Emily’s List, the fund-raising powerhouse dedicated to electing female candidates and supporters of reproductive rights.”
But the really important thing here, Newsom stressed, is she’ll smash glass ceilings because she’s a woman who digs other women… and she’s black.
At least, that’s how many are reading the governor’s announcement, issued on Sunday night.
“I’m proud to announce California’s new United States Senator — Laphonza Butler,” Newsom wrote on X.
“As we mourn the enormous loss of Sen. Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for — reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence — have never been under greater assault,” he continued. “Laphonza has spent her entire career fighting for women and girls and has been a fierce advocate for working people.”
“She will make history — becoming the first Black lesbian to openly serve in the U.S. Senate,” he proudly stated. “From her time as President of EMILY’s List to leading the state’s largest labor union, she has always stood up for what is right and has led with her heart and her values. I have no doubt she will carry the baton left by Senator Feinstein, continue to break glass ceilings, and fight for all Californians in Washington.”
I’m proud to announce California’s new United States Senator — Laphonza Butler.
As we mourn the enormous loss of Sen. Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for — reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence — have never been under greater assault.… pic.twitter.com/SOnbfVPmXj
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 2, 2023
California’s new Senator doesn’t even live in the state she will be representing.
According to the Los Angeles Times, “Butler lives in Maryland with her partner, Neneki Lee, and their daughter.” It’s a pesky point that didn’t go unnoticed on X.
“You picked her because she’s a Black, Lesbian woman,” said political podcaster Joey Mannarino. “That’s the entire thing. Also, she lives in Maryland so I don’t know why she’s representing California.”
“Pretty incredible you couldn’t even pick a California resident,” Republican politician Matt Whitlock said.
“EQUITY: Governor @GavinNewsom struggled to find a Black lesbian who was also a California voter to fill Feinstein’s Senate seat so he selected a Black lesbian voter from Maryland named @LaphonzaB instead,” wrote the popular Amuse account.
You picked her because she’s a Black, Lesbian woman. That’s the entire thing.
Also, she lives in Maryland so I don’t know why she’s representing California.
— Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) October 2, 2023
Pretty incredible you couldn’t even pick a California resident https://t.co/SdTqzpUd0Q
— Matt Whitlock (@mattdizwhitlock) October 2, 2023
EQUITY: Governor @GavinNewsom struggled to find a Black lesbian who was also a California voter to fill Feinstein’s Senate seat so he selected a Black lesbian voter from Maryland named @LaphonzaB instead. https://t.co/6htEIMyQWy
— @amuse (@amuse) October 2, 2023
Others believe Newsom was simply acting in his own “pathetic” self-interest with Butler’s appointment.
Newsom is using her as a token to try to get more votes for himself. Why feel the need to announce she’s Black and a Lesbian? Those are far from being qualifications for office. Newsom is pathetic.
— DryOldFox (@DryOldFox1) October 2, 2023
And others on X went so far as to suggest Newsom’s super-woke choice smacks of “racism.”
“You can’t fix racism with racism. i.e. Joe Biden’s appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson,” reasoned one user, referring to the president’s strategic choice for the Supreme Court. “I thought we wanted the best and brightest. Every woman and US citizen who was eligible for this high level position should be appalled at making this determination based on the color of your skin.”
You can’t fix racism with racism. i.e. Joe Biden’s appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson. I thought we wanted the best and brightest. Every woman and US citizen who was eligible for this high level position should be appalled at making this determination based on the color of your…
— Christopher Vviona. DEPLORABLE UNION MEMBER (@ChristopherVvio) October 2, 2023
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