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California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Adam Schiff to the US Senate to complete the term of Laphonza Butler following her resignation.

In an announcement by the Governor’s office, Adam Schiff was appointed to the US Senate to complete the remainder of Laphonza Butler’s term following her resignation. This decision allows Schiff, who won election to a full Senate term in November 2024, to begin his work early in the upper chamber before the next Congress convenes in January.

Schiff’s appointment to the Senate comes as Trump has intensified his criticism of the California Democrat, stemming from Schiff’s role in leading the first impeachment inquiry and investigations into Russian election interference during Trump’s presidency. Trump has publicly labeled Schiff a political adversary who pushed “Russiagate” and has threatened to target him if elected. Despite this, Schiff has said he will not be intimidated. Meanwhile, reports suggest President Biden has considered offering Schiff a preemptive pardon to safeguard him against Trump’s potential retaliatory actions.

Governor reacts: In a statement, Governor Newsom said, “When Senator Laphonza Butler took her seat in the Senate a year ago, she brought with her a lifetime of lessons learned from organizing and advocating for opportunity and justice. In just a short time, she has left an indelible mark — proving that true leadership isn’t measured by the length of service, but by the depth of impact. Laphonza has never shied away from fighting for what’s right. She works not for recognition, but for the greater good — a commitment that began long before her time in the Senate and will continue well beyond it.”