Gavin Christopher Newsom (born October 10, 1967) is an American politician and businessman who is the 40th governor of California, serving since January 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 49th lieutenant governor of California from 2011 to 2019 and as the 42nd mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011.
Laphonza Butler is set to become the first out Black lesbian to serve in Congress. The Democratic strategist and former labor leader has been appointed by Californian Governor Gavin Newsom to fill the late Senator Dianne Feinstein’s seat in an interim capacity following her death last week, at the age of 90.
Butler is expected to be sworn into her new position this coming Tuesday. This notable appointment will make Butler the only Black woman currently serving in the Senate, and only the third Black woman in history to serve after Senator Carol Moseley Braun and current Vice President Kamala Harris.
Additionally, she is the first openly LGBTQIA+ senator to represent California. Newsom announced the news in a statement on 1 October that showcased Butler’s credentials as: “An advocate for women and girls, a second-generation fighter for working people, and a trusted advisor to Vice President Harris, Laphonza Butler represents the best of California.” In light of the news of her pending appointment, Butler said on Twitter: “I’m honored to accept Gov. @GavinNewsom’s nomination to be U.S.
Senator for a state I have made my home and honored by his trust in me to serve the people of California and this great nation. “No one will ever measure up to the legacy of Sen.