California Sen. Laphonza Butler Will Not Run in 2024

The newest member of the U.S. Senate, Democrat Laphonza Butler of California, said Thursday that she will not run for a full term in 2024. Butler was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month, following the death of longtime Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

A crowded field will compete in the state's all-party primary on March 5. The three Democratic frontrunners, who have been in the race for months, are U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee (CA-12), Katie Porter (CA-47), and Adam Schiff (CA-30).  Republicans gained a prominent name last week, when former major league baseball player Steve Garvey announced he would run.

The top two finishers in the primary - regardless of party - will advance to the November general election.

Note that because of the timing of Butler's appointment, California law requires a special election to complete Feinstein's term. The dates will be the same: March 5 for the primary, November 5 for the general, but it will be a separate election on the ballot. The winner of that special election will serve for the last few weeks of the 118th congress.

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