The five major contenders have different track records and proposals on some of the biggest issues facing California. They’re trying to position themselves to appeal to sizable voting blocs before the March 5 primary.

You have to wonder what Dianne Feinstein, a no-nonsense senator whom leading Democrats often criticized for focusing on policy rather than politics, would have thought of the choice to replace her.

Laphonza Butler is set to make history as the first LGBTQ+ person to represent California in the Senate.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) appointed her just two days after the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who was the longest-serving female senator.

“I am honored to accept Gov. Newsom’s nomination to be a U.S. Senator for a state I have long called home,” Butler said in a statement after the appointment.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's appointment of Laphonza Butler to fill the U.S. Senate seat previously held by the late Dianne Feinstein has evoked praise from progressives across California — along with mounting speculation over whether Butler will run for a full Senate term next year.

Butler, a Democratic adviser and labor leader, is expected to be sworn in as a U.S. senator Tuesday by Vice President Kamala Harris at the U.S. Capitol.

Several leading black Democrats are criticizing California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) for nominating Laphonza Butler of Maryland to fill Dianne Feinstein’s Senate vacancy instead of current Senate candidate Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA).

Butler has lived in California, and owns a home in the state, but lives in Maryland and must register to vote in the Golden State before becoming constitutionally eligible to replace Feinstein, who died Friday at the age of 90.

Laphonza Butler is set to become California's newest senator, filling the seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Why it matters: Butler will be the first Black lesbian to openly serve in the Senate. She is also the second Black woman to represent California in the Senate, after Vice President Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said in the announcement.

"Laphonza has spent her entire career fighting for women and girls and has been a fierce advocate for working people," Newsom wrote on X.

Laphonza Butler, a former adviser to Vice President Harris who currently serves as president of EMILY’s List, was named to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat in California that was held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who died at the age of 90 on Friday. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) made the announcement late Sunday evening, after a weekend full of anticipation ahead of the decision. Newsom had pledged previously to select a Black woman to fill Feinstein’s seat, should it ever become open, and Butler’s appointment fills that pledge.

The appointment of Laphonza Butler to become California's newest senator is already raising some eyebrows as she appears to be registered to vote in Maryland with an address in that state.

Registration records indicate that Butler lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with her mailing address the same as her residential. She registered as a Democrat as of Sept. 12, 2022.