Laphonza Butler sworn in as replacement for late Sen. Dianne Feinstein
Feinstein died last week at the age of 90. Vice President Kamala Harris swore in Sen. Laphonza Butler to serve as California's senator on Tuesday, replacing the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Butler, whose appointment was announced by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday, was flanked by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who met with Butler on Tuesday just prior to her being sworn in, and California Sen. Alex Padilla as Harris administered the oath on the Senate floor. Vice President Kamala Harris, right, swears in Laphonza Butler, left, to the Senate to succeed the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, during a re-enactment of the swearing-in ceremony, Oct. 3, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Butler's wife, Neneki Lee, center, holds the Bible. Stephanie Scarbrough/AP After her swearing in, members from both parties stood and gave a round of applause. Butler shook hands with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell as she exited the chamber. The new senator did not respond to a question about w...