Decision Maker

Laphonza Butler

Former U.S. Senate - California

California, California

Laphonza Romanique Butler (born 1979) is an American politician, labor union official, and political adviser. A dedicated member of the Democratic Party, Butler served as a United States Senator from California from 2023 to 2024. Her career began in labor union organizing, and she rose to prominence as the president of the California SEIU State Council from 2013 to 2018. Butler also contributed to higher education governance as a regent of the University of California system from 2018 to 2021. She further advanced women's political engagement as the president of EMILY's List from 2021 to 2023. Academically, Butler earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Jackson State University after graduating from South Pike High School.