Newly appointed California Sen. Laphonza Butler says she won't run to keep the seat in 2024

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: NBC News

Oct. 19, 2023, 5:18 PM EDT


Laphonza Butler, a Democrat who was appointed this month to fill Dianne Feinstein’s seat, said Thursday that she won’t seek a full Senate term next year.

Butler, the first openly LGBTQ person to represent California in the chamber, was appointed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom following Feinstein's death last month at age 90. She was sworn in Oct. 3.

"Knowing you can win a campaign doesn’t always mean you should run a campaign," Butler said in a statement.

"I’ve spent the past 16 days pursuing my clarity — what kind of life I want to have, what kind of service I want to offer and what kind of voice I want to bring forward. After considering those questions I’ve decided not to run for Senate in the upcoming election."

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/sen-laphonza-butler-says-wont-run-2024-california-senate-seat-rcna121313

[Qutzupalotl]

1. I thought that was part of the deal with Newsom

so as not to put a finger on the scale of the Schiff/Porter contest.

[BumRushDaShow]

2. There were quite a few unsubstaniated rumors

that "nothing would be stopping her from running" and "what if"? And of course that caused a lot of consternation among supporters of Schiff, Porter, and Lee. So this makes thing clear.

[Rebl2]

5. That's what

I thought as well. Surprised to see her come out with this statement.

[Deuxcents]

3. She can most likely get more things accomplished

By not being a senator. She has deep connections with Emily’s List, her Union and LBGTQ community. Her statement for not running pretty much said so.

[Prairie Gates]

4. I'm sure whoever goes forward will be great

It's probably good that she clarified this early on. She's really hardly started the job at this point.

[ColinC]

6. She immediately became my favorite as soon as she was appointed, so this saddens me

I really hope to see her in higher office again soon. She seems pretty incredible, and a real change-maker.

[onetexan]

7. I would really like Adam or Katie in the Senate

So i'm glad Lafonza has given them deference, or for whatever reason she is not seeking election. I applaud her decision as she's an honorable person.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

8. I have to consider intimidation in today's political clime.

[Old Crank]

9. A good way to get a feel of the job

With only a short time frame commitment. Both Adam and Katie have an idea of what the job entails already.

[Upthevibe]

10. BumRushDaShow.....

Thanks for the post.