Laphonza Butler is an American labor leader, non-profit executive, and civil rights advocate who has been chosen by California state lawmakers to replace Dianne Feinstein in the U.S. Senate. She is the former president of SEIU California, a union representing 700,000 healthcare, janitorial, and public service workers, where she cut her teeth in labor organizing. Butler’s other professional experience includes roles as the California Democratic Party’s Senior Advisor on Policy & Engagement; Executive Vice President at California Calls, a civic engagement organization; and Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of Social Services. She previously served on the advisory committee of A New Way of Life, a Los Angeles-based organization that helps re-entry women obtain housing and sustain themselves outside of prison. Butler is the first African American to be appointed to U.S. Senate in California.
