John,

On Tuesday, Senator Laphonza Butler was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris, making history as the first openly LGBTQ+ Black woman to join Congress and is now the only Black woman serving in the Senate.

Sen. Butler succeeds the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving woman in the Senate and a trailblazer for women, children, LGBTQ+ Americans, gun safety, climate action, and so much more. Her legacy will live on through our continued progress for the American people.

As a long-time advocate for workers and abortion rights and a trailblazer in her own right, Sen. Butler became the first woman of color to lead EMILY’s List, an organization dedicated to electing pro-abortion rights Democratic women. 

I’m confident that she’ll be a strong voice for working families of all backgrounds, moving our communities forward, and leading California and our nation toward equity, justice and a brighter future.

Doors are opening wider to make room for people of all backgrounds, especially those historically underrepresented, to step up and be a leader for all people.

I’m thrilled to celebrate Senator Laphonza Butler and I hope you’ll join me in welcoming her to the Senate.

Lauren