California Sen. Laphonza Butler Opts Out of 2024 Senate Race

Butler, a relatively unknown appointee selected to replace the late Dianne Feinstein, made the decision after ‘pursuing my own clarity.’

Newly appointed Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) talks about her predecessor, the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), after attending her first Senate Democratic policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Oct. 4, 2023. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), who recently stepped into the role to succeed the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), said on Thursday that she will not seek a full term in the U.S. Senate next year.

Her decision has significant implications, particularly in a state where the 2024 Senate race had already garnered intense attention. It means she will serve out Ms. Feinstein’s term through Jan. 3, 2025, and not seek a full, six-year term.