California Sen. Laphonza Butler Will Not Run in 2024

The newest member of the U.S. Senate, Democrat Laphonza Butler of California, said Thursday that she will not run for a full term in 2024. Butler was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month, following the death of longtime Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

“I have spent my life working for working men and women whether I was fighting to win more pay for their labor, strengthen their communities or help them get elected. I’ve always believed elected leaders should have real clarity about why they’re in office and what they want to..

— Laphonza Butler (@LaphonzaB) October 19, 2023

A crowded field will compete in the state's all-party primary on March 5. The three Democratic frontrunners, who have been in the race for months, are U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee (CA-12), Katie Porter (CA-47), and Adam Schiff (CA-30).  Republicans gained a prominent name last week, when former major league baseball player Steve Garvey announced he would run.

The top two finishers in the primary - regardless of party - will advance to the November general election.

Note that because of the timing of Butler's appointment, California law requires a special election to complete Feinstein's term. The dates will be the same: March 5 for the primary, November 5 for the general, but it will be a separate election on the ballot. The winner of that special election will serve for the last few weeks of the 118th congress.