Gavin Newsom has chosen Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY's List, to fill the seat of the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the governor's office confirmed to NBC News.
Feinstein, the longest-serving woman in the Senate, died Thursday at the age of 90.
Newsom, a Democrat, had provided substantial clues in recent months about how he'd choose Feinstein's replacement, if her seat were to become vacant.
He had previously said that he would appoint a Black woman if either of California's Senate seats opened up.
Butler, however, will not have any constraints on her future plans and will be free to run for the seat if she chooses.
Persons:
Gavin Newsom, Laphonza Butler, Democratic Sen, Dianne Feinstein, Feinstein, Butler, Kamala Harris, Newsom, NBC's, Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, Lee, Alex Padilla
Organizations:
Democratic, NBC News, SEIU, University of California, Regents, Airbnb, Democrat, Press, Congressional, Caucus
Locations:
California, North America