American politician Laphonza Butler kick-started her political career as a union organizer. When Laphonza Butler was just 30 years old, she was already named the president of the state’s largest labor union, the Service Employees International Union.
She went on to be a staunch advocate, asking for a higher minimum wage and also demanding increased taxes on California’s wealthiest residents.
Laphonza Butler also worked as a partner at the political consulting firm SCRB Strategies, which is now rebranded as Bearstar Strategies. She has also been a senior leader in Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign as well.
Not only that, but Laphonza Butler also became the first woman of color who has served as president of EMILY’s List. This happened nearly two years ago, back in September of 2021. People have been curious to know more about Laphonza Butler’s personal life as well. Let us know all about Laphonza Butler’s Partner.
Who Is Laphonza Butler’s Partner?
Laphonza Butler’s partner is Neneki Lee. The pair is notoriously private about their private life and intends to keep it away from the media limelight. While much is known about Neneki’s life, she is reportedly the national division director for public services at SEIU.
The pair also have an 8-year-old daughter named Nylah. In a heartfelt post, Butler has credited their daughter as one of her driving forces.
Laphonza Butler recently revealed that when she was offered the seat of the governor, she didn’t have much time to think over Newsom’s offer, given the imminent government shutdown. However, it was after speaking with her wife, Neneki Lee, that Butler made the decision to accept the offer.
In an open letter, Butler has written how being Nylah’s mother has been the greatest gift she has ever received in her life.
Grew up, Butler added how she grew up watching and learning about women who fought for voting rights, civil rights, and reproductive freedom, among others, and now it is her turn to fight for her daughter’s future.
Laphonza Butler Makes History!
Laphonza Butler recently made history after being the first openly lesbian U.S. senator. Butler has been appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom to fill late California senator Dianne Feinstein’s seat for the remainder of the term through 2024. Dianne Feinstein passed away at the age of 90 as she had a historic career as the longest-serving woman in the Senate.
The Congressional Black Caucus organized the ceremonial swearing event while saying that they are looking forward to the much-needed perspective that Butler will bring to the Senate with her background and years of experience and also as the sole Black woman currently serving in the Senate.
This is indeed a historic moment, as Franco-Clausen stated how someone like Senator Butler is going to make space at the table for others as well.
Laphonza Butler Opens Up About Being The Senator
Laphonza Butler recently became the senator of California. As she makes history, Butler was asked if being appointed as a U.S. senator was on her vision board, to which Butler admitted that it was not on her vision board, not on her bingo card, and was also not in the wildest dreams of her ancestors.
Laphonza Butler also took this opportunity to praise Senator Feinstein, who was elected back in 1992 and went on to serve until her death at age 90. Butler admitted that she is not so audacious as to believe that she will be able to contribute as much as the Senator did in her decades of service,
In an early interview, Butler stated that she hopes her journey brings is that everyday women can see a little bit of them in themselves and know that anything is possible. While being appointed the new governor, Laphonza explained that this was an opportunity for her to raise her hand at a moment of crisis for the country.