WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 04: Newly appointed Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-CA) attends a news conference after attending her first Senate Democratic policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on October 04, 2023 in Washington, DC. Senators gathered during their r …
After just a week on the job, Sen. Laphonza Butler, California's newest senator, has tested positive for COVID-19.
"After a busy [first week] on the job, I have tested positive for COVID-19 [and] am experiencing mild symptoms. Per CDC guidelines I will be isolating while the Senate is in session and working remotely," Butler posted on social media.
Butler's positive test comes after the senator has conducted numerous media interviews and attended events up and down the state.
On Friday, Butler met with SEIU members who work as custodians, secretaries and other positions for the San Francisco Unified School District. The SFUSD members recently voted to authorize a strike for increased pay and better work conditions.
Earlier in the week, Butler, alongside Sen. Alex Padilla, gave her first television interview to Fox 11 in Los Angeles, KTVU's sister station. During which, Butler declined to give a straight answer on whether she intends to run for Senate in 2024.
To run or not to run? New California senator faces tough decision on whether to enter 2024 campaign
The crowded, wide-open race to succeed the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein in California has hit a suspenseful turn as candidates wait for newly appointed Sen. Laphonza Butler to decide if she will enter the 2024 contest for her seat after being picked to complete the remainder of Feinstein’s term.