California Governor Gavin Newsom (Democratic) has appointed Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) to the U.S. Senate to serve out the unexpired term of Sen. LaFonza Butler (D).
The appointment means Schiff, who has served in the House since 2001 and was elected to the Senate last month, will begin work in the Senate several weeks before the next Congress begins in early January.
Butler has said he has no intention of running to replace the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein in October 2023, opening up the race to Schiff and others.
Schiff has emerged as one of President-elect Trump's biggest critics in the House. He led Trump's first impeachment and publicly said his rhetoric reflected “dictator talk.”
Mr. Butler announced his resignation effective Sunday, and Mr. Schiff was appointed by the governor.
in statementIn replacing Feinstein, Newsom highlighted Butler's lifetime accomplishments and accomplishments.
“LaFonza has never shied away from fighting for what's right. She works for the greater good, not for recognition. That work began long before she became a senator. It will last long beyond that,” Newsom said. “Senator Butler, thank you for your dedication and service, and for honoring the life and legacy of the late Dianne Feinstein. I am confident that the next senator, Schiff, will continue that legacy.”
Mr. Schiff will be a member of the Senate along with new Sen. Andy Kim (D.N.J.). Gov. Phil Murphy (D.N.J.) also appointed Kim to the Senate on Sunday.
California's new senator appears to be a target of President Trump, as Democrats appear eager to work across the aisle in a new capacity.
Although Schiff insists he will not be intimidated by Trump, President Biden is reportedly considering granting Schiff a pre-emptive pardon in light of the president-elect's threats to go after his political opponents. are.
Schiff said he didn't want a pardon from Biden because he has “more confidence in our institutions” to withstand potential abuses from Trump.
