Senator Laphonza Butler, elected by California’s Gavin Newsom 18 days ago to replace the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, will not run for a full term in 2024.
“I’ve always believed elected leaders should have real clarity about why they’re in office and what they want to do with the responsibilities and powers they have,” Butler (D-Calif.) said. wrote on X Thursday.
“I’ve spent the past 16 days chasing my own clarity — the kind of life I want to have, the kind of service I want to offer and the kind of voice I want to bring forward.
“After considering those questions, I have decided not to run for a full term in the US Senate.”
Butler, 44, is the first black lesbian to serve in Congress.
His decision not to seek a full term came after questions arose as to whether the Golden State’s newest senator actually resided in California.
Butler has been a resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, since 2021, FEC filings and public records show.
She moved to the Washington, DC, region to become president of Emily’s List, a political action committee dedicated to electing pro-abortion Democratic female candidates.
Butler is a past president of Emily’s List and has been a resident of Maryland since 2021. Jackson State University via Getty Images
Butler maintained a residence in California from 2009 to 2021, according to recordsbut Newsom’s spokesman previously told The Post that he recently re-registered to vote in the Golden State.
“Knowing you can win a campaign doesn’t always mean you should run a campaign,” Butler tweeted, defending his decision. “I know this will come as a surprise to many because traditionally we don’t see those who have the power to release it.
“It may not have been the decision people expected but it was the right one for me,” he added, vowing to “serve the people of California with every ounce of energy and effort that I have” until his term ends.
The three Democratic members of California’s congressional delegation — Reps. Katie Porter, Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee — announced their candidacies for the Senate seat earlier this year, after Feinstein revealed in February that she would not seek re-election.
Feinstein, who served in the upper house since 1992, died last month at the age of 90.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres first baseman Steve Garvey announced earlier this month that he would run for the seat as a Republican.
Under California’s primary system, the top two vote-getters will run in the November general election, even if both are from the same party.
The first stage of California is scheduled for March 5.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
