California Gov. Gavin Newsom has selected Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY’s List, to take the place of the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, according to the governor’s office.

Feinstein, who was the longest-serving woman in the Senate, passed away on Thursday at the age of 90.

In California, the governor has the authority to appoint a senator to serve until the next regularly scheduled statewide general election. This means that Butler will serve until the new senator, chosen by voters in the November 2024 election, is sworn in.

Butler has been leading EMILY’s List, an organization that supports the election of Democratic women, since 2021. She made history as the first Black woman to lead the organization. Butler expressed her admiration for Feinstein on social media, referring to her as a “titan in the Senate” and a “legendary figure for women in politics and around the country.”

Butler has a strong professional background in California. She previously led SEIU Local 2015, the largest union in the state. She has also been a longtime ally of Vice President Kamala Harris, served on the University of California Board of Regents, and worked as the director of public policy and campaigns in North America for Airbnb.

Newsom, a Democrat, had previously indicated that he would appoint a Black woman if a Senate seat became available in California. He emphasized that his appointment would be temporary and that he would not select any of the candidates running to succeed Feinstein in 2024, as it would be unfair to them.

However, Butler is not limited by these constraints and is free to run for the seat if she chooses.

The Congressional Black Caucus had urged Newsom to appoint Barbara Lee, citing her courage, vision, and record in advancing the progressive agenda. Newsom had previously appointed Alex Padilla to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Kamala Harris when she became vice president.

On March 5, voters in California will participate in a Senate primary election. The state uses a blanket primary system, where candidates from all parties appear on the same ballot. The top two vote-getters will advance to the general election in November, regardless of their political affiliation.

Feinstein, the oldest member of the Senate and the longest-serving female senator, had previously announced her plan to retire at the end of her term in 2024. However, there were concerns about her health, and calls for her to step down to make way for younger lawmakers.

Despite the challenges she faced, Feinstein remained committed to fighting for Californians and serving her term. Her passing has led to the appointment of Laphonza Butler to represent the state in the Senate.