Laphonza Butler, a black lesbian woman, has been sworn in as the newest member of the Senate, filling the vacancy left by the passing of California Senator Dianne Feinstein.

She becomes only the third black female senator in US history, and apparently the “first black lesbian.”

Butler, a former union leader, Democratic strategist, and abortion activist was appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom just two days after Feinstein’s death.

I was honored to swear in Laphonza Butler, whom I have been fortunate to work with for many years, as the next senator from California.

As she assumes this role, I know she will work to serve Californians with grit and grace, as she has done throughout her career. pic.twitter.com/KQ5m0Cea9G

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 3, 2023

She has a background in fundraising and strategy within leftist circles and previously headed Emily’s List, a national organization that supports abortion.

Vice President Kamala Harris, a former senator, conducted the swearing-in ceremony on the Senate floor.

Harris, who was the second black female senator in US history before becoming vice president, appeared happy to welcome another black woman to the Senate. The first  black woman to serve as a US senator was Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois in the 1990s.

VP Kamala Harris swears in Laphonza Butler (D) as California’s new senator. The seat became open after the death of Dianne Feinstein last week.

Butler’s seating makes her the only Black woman in the Senate and brings the number of Black senators to four, an all-time high. pic.twitter.com/ktlPeEnbXi

— The Recount (@therecount) October 3, 2023

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) also held a ceremonial swearing-in for Butler, recognizing the historic significance of her appointment. CBC Chairman Steven Horsford of Nevada emphasized the importance of Butler’s background and experience, particularly as the Senate currently lacks any black women.

This historic moment was made even more noteworthy as Laphonza Butler is also the first openly lesbian Black US senator. Her wife, Neneki Lee, held the Bible during the official swearing-in.

Despite not having previously held elected office, Butler’s appointment was praised by Governor Newsom for her deep knowledge of the legislative process, making her “the only choice” for the role. However, her appointment raised some criticism as Newsom had initially selected a “caretaker” to fill the seat, intending not to influence the 2024 race. Now, Butler will need to decide whether to run for re-election to retain the seat.