U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler effectively assumed the status of a lame duck in just over two weeks into her role, thus shaping the dynamics of the 2024 U.S. Senate race. In a surprising move, the newly-appointed senator declared her decision not to seek a full six-year term, steering clear of the already crowded 2024 Democratic field, which includes prominent figures such as U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee, Katie Porter, and Adam Schiff.

In a statement, Butler expressed her belief that elected leaders should possess a clear sense of purpose and vision for their role in public office. She disclosed that she had devoted the past 16 days to soul-searching, determining the life she desires, the service she intends to provide, and the voice she aims to represent. After careful consideration, she decided against running for Senate in the upcoming election.

Butler emphasized that winning a campaign doesn’t always equate to the right decision to run one, acknowledging that her choice might come as a surprise, as it’s not common for those in positions of power to voluntarily relinquish it. She asserted that her decision, while unexpected, is the correct one for her.

Butler highlighted the importance of California voters having leaders who genuinely prioritize their concerns and issues. She announced her commitment to dedicating the next 383 days to serving the people of California with unwavering dedication and effort.

Had she chosen to run, Butler would have faced significant challenges. She would have had less than five months to build a competitive campaign before the March 5 primary and catch up in fundraising. As of September 30, Schiff’s campaign had amassed $32 million, while Porter held $12 million, and Lee had $1.3 million in campaign funds.

Furthermore, Butler lagged in terms of name recognition, and some influential labor unions, which could have been her allies, had already endorsed other candidates and were unlikely to change their stance. Schiff had garnered the most endorsements from statewide unions among the Democratic contenders, though several major labor organizations, including the California Labor Federation, SEIU California, and the California Teachers Association, were yet to make their decisions.

A Public Policy Institute of California poll from late September showed Schiff at 20% and Porter at 15%, significantly ahead of Lee, who stood at 8% among likely voters.

Butler’s decision means that California voters will select a new senator next year to complete the final two months of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s term from November to January and decide who will serve the full six-year term.

Spokespersons for the existing Democratic candidates welcomed the news, expressing their intention to continue working with Butler, who had taken on the responsibility of filling an open Senate seat with grace and commitment.

Butler, a 44-year-old hailing from Magnolia, Mississippi, and a graduate of historically Black Jackson State University, currently resides in Maryland but re-registered to vote in California after being appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 1 to replace Feinstein. She made history as the first Black, openly LGBTQ person to serve in the Senate.

Butler’s background featured leadership roles in the California labor movement, including serving as the president of the Service Employees International Union Local 2015, a union representing long-term caregivers in the state. She also led the SEIU State Council, the political coordination arm of the union, and served as the president of EMILY’s List, a national fundraising organization supporting female Democrats seeking office.

Known for her representation of both corporations and unions, Butler achieved a significant milestone in 2015 by brokering a deal with then-Gov. Jerry Brown and state lawmakers to increase California’s minimum wage to $15 an hour, the highest in the nation at that time. However, she also advised Uber in 2019 as the company opposed legislation to classify independent gig workers as employees.

Butler’s candidacy could have further divided Democratic votes in the primary and possibly increased the chances of a Republican candidate emerging from California’s top-two primary, it was also suggested that Butler’s candidacy might have fragmented Black votes and labor union support, potentially offering voters desiring a Black woman in the Senate a second choice.

The Republican field was considerably less crowded, with former Dodgers star Steve Garvey entering the race on October 10. A poll from the previous month placed him ahead of Attorney Eric Early and Coast Guard veteran James Bradley.