WASHINGTON -- Earlier this year, as Republicans sought to ban books with Black history and LGBTQ+ themes from schools across the country, the nation's first openly gay Black senator stepped onto the Senate floor and read aloud from some of them.
"Perhaps for some of you here today, I am the face of one of your fears," Democratic Sen. Laphonza Butler said in February, quoting 20th century poet Audre Lorde. "Because I am a Black woman, because I am a lesbian, because I am myself -- a Black woman warrior poet doing work -- who has come to ask you, are you doing yours?"
At the time, Butler was just a few months into her tenure as California's junior senator, which began when she was appointed shortly after Sen. Dianne Feinstein died in 2023. Her term ends Monday when Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank) is sworn in to take her place.
The reading was part of Butler's broader effort to put into the public record literature that's becoming harder to access in conservative states. It also expressed the identity that helped catapult her into the Senate after Gov. Gavin Newsom said he would appoint a Black woman should Feinstein's seat ever become vacant.
As Butler leaves public office, identity politics central to her rise are under scrutiny by Democrats analyzing their losses in this year's election.
"That's the one thing she can't choose, is that she is a Black woman," Butler said about Harris' loss in an interview with The Times. She emphasized that attributing it solely to race and gender would be "intellectually dishonest" but acknowledged persistent barriers and stereotypes.
Butler focused on youth development, voting rights and reproductive health during her tenure while supporting Harris' presidential campaign efforts.
"We both graduated from historically Black colleges... We were both raised by mothers who worked fiercely to provide for us," Butler stated at the Democratic National Convention regarding her bond with Harris.
Before joining the Senate, Butler was known for effective organizing behind-the-scenes roles including president of EMILYs List and head of Service Employees International Union Local 15 in California.
Her appointment drew criticism; Republicans noted Newsom chose someone not living in California at that time while some Democrats preferred Rep. Barbara Lee due to her congressional experience.
"If Gavin Newsom wanted to honor Black California women," said James Taylor from University of San Francisco, "he should've appointed Lee or [Los Angeles Rep. Maxine] Waters."
During her short term without seniority advantages typical for long-serving senators; however,Bulter built relationships focusing on causes like federal judges confirmations,voting rights,and adolescent behavioral health needs legislation among others .