Welcome back flies! This week we are buzzing back in with a special edition episode featuring California’s outgoing senator Laphonza Butler! Reporting from the Hart Building of the Senate Office, sit down with Will and Sarah as they dive into Butler’s expansive political journey- growing up in Mississippi, graduating from the HBCU Jackson University, and moving from Baltimore to California. Butler begins with her passion for the labor movement, motivated by ideals of the Civil Rights Movement and inspired by her own mother to fight for worker’s rights. Rebuilding the trust of California’s laborers, Butler eventually became President of the California SEIU State Council in 2013. With organization at the root of Butler’s success, she discusses her transition to working for Emily’s List, one of the nation’s largest political action committees dedicated to electing Democratic women candidates to office. Working in both the labor movement and political consulting, Butler discusses her approach to balancing grassroots perspectives with strategic national and state goals. Lastly, Butler offers some key insights into her experience working as a California Senator, offering strategic advice for Representative Adam Schiff as he prepares to fill her seat. Tune in to listen!
