Laphonza Butler to become first black lesbian Senator after Feinstein's 30-year reign

Former union leader Laphonza Butler is set to take on a trailblazing role in the US Senate, following the passing of veteran politician Dianne Feinstein.

Laphonza Butler, an outspoken advocate of progressive equality legislation who. has reportedly raised a child with partner Neneki Lee, will become the first openly black lesbian to serve in the US Senate.

Laphonza Butler makes history

California Governor Gavin Newsom has confirmed Butler will take over the California Senate seat the late Feinstein held for just shy of 31 years.

Taking to Twitter to announce the decision, Butler noted Laphonza “has spent her entire career fighting for women and girls and has been a fierce advocate for working people.”

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

Though this will be Butler’s first official stint as a public official, the Mississippi-born Democrat boasts an impressive CV within the world of politics. She’s worked behind the scenes on campaigns including Kamala Harris’ run for President in 2020.

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Butler’s previous work with EMILY’s List

A standout spell on Butler’s lengthy CV is the time she spent as the President of EMILY’s List. It’s a pro-choice political action group that seeks to elect Democratic abortion advocates to power, of which she served as head since September 2021.

The group has invested significant funds into the endorsement of several political candidates. They’ve supported as many as 84 politicians in the 2018 elections.

Emily's List 6th Annual Pre-Oscars Event: "How Women Change The World" — Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images

Butler’s previous work outside of EMILY’s List includes a year-long stint as director of policy and campaigns for Airbnb. She also held several roles in the trade union movement – most notably in her position as President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a role she held for over four and a half years.

Butler is an outspoken advocate of Vice President Kamala Harris, whose recent work under Joe Biden she described as “incredible”.

Who is Laphonza Butler’s partner, Neneki Lee?

Butler has spoken proudly about her experience as a black lesbian woman on numerous occasions.

According to reports, her profile on the EMILY’s List website previously noted Butler lives in Maryland. This is where she is bringing up a child with her partner Neneki Lee. This detail is no longer available on Butler’s profile at the time of writing.

According to her professional profile on LinkedIn, Lee currently serves as a National Division Director of Public Services for Butler’s previous employers, the SEIU, and has done so since 1997.

Although the pair appear to keep things rather private online, Lee can regularly be seen supporting Butler’s posts on social media. Both parties have made reference to having a daughter named Nylah.