Senator Laphonza Butler, who was selected by California Governor Gavin Newsom 18 days ago to replace the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, will not run for a full term in 2024.
“I have always believed that elected leaders should have real clarity about why they are in office and what they want to do with the responsibility and power they have,” said Butler (D-Calif.). wrote on Thursday.
“I have spent the last 16 days searching for my own 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 present.
“After considering those issues, I have decided not to run for a full term in the United States Senate.”
Butler, 44, is the first black lesbian to serve in Congress.
His decision not to seek a full term comes after questions were raised about whether the Golden State’s new senator actually resides in California.
Butler has resided in Silver Spring, Maryland, since 2021. FEC Filings and public records show it.
She moved to the Washington, DC region to become president of Emily’s List, a political action committee dedicated to electing Democratic candidates who support abortion.
Butler is the former president of Emily’s List and has resided in Maryland since 2021. Jackson State University via Getty Images
Butler maintained a residence in California from 2009 to 2021, according to recordsbut a spokesperson for Newsom previously told The Post that he recently re-registered to vote in the Golden State.
“Knowing a campaign can be won doesn’t always mean a campaign should be run,” Butler tweeted, defending his decision. “I know this will be a surprise to many because traditionally we don’t see those in power letting it go.
“It may not be the decision people expected, but it is the right one for me,” he added, vowing to “serve the people of California with every ounce of energy and effort I have” until his term ends.
Three Democratic members of California’s congressional delegation, Reps. Katie Porter, Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee, announced their candidacy for the Senate seat earlier this year, after Feinstein revealed in February that she would not seek re-election.
Feinstein, who had 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 face each other in the November general election, even if they are both from the same party.
The California primary is scheduled for March 5.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn