Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Democratic strategist Laphonza Butler to the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Dianne Feinstein, who died on Thursday. Butler is the president of Emily’s List, a political action committee that helps elect women who support abortion rights. She’s also a former labor leader, advisor to vice-president Kamala Harris, and University of California regent. When she is sworn in, Newsom will have fulfilled his promise to appoint a Black woman, and Butler will be the first openly LGBT senator from the state. We’ll learn more about Butler – who tweeted Monday that she is “ready to serve” – and what her appointment means for the U.S. Senate race currently underway.

Guests:

Aimee Allison, founder and president, She the People - A national organization dedicated to building the political power of women of color

Marisa Lagos, politics correspondent, KQED; co-host, KQED's Political Breakdown show

Melanie Mason, senior political correspondent covering California politics, Politico

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