Laphonza Butler

“I'm really shy.”

“There were times in my life where I didn't know, my mother didn't know, where my next meal was coming from. There were days she worked three jobs all in the same day to make sure she was able to keep a roof over our heads.”

“For generations, Black women have been at the very center of social change. Our fingerprints can be found on every movement from abolition, to suffrage, to civil rights to the modern-day fight for Black lives.”

“So much I have found my contemporaries... really do sort of focus on getting to 'yes' - 'yes, I can do that,' 'yes, I can help you with this,' 'yes, I can take on this additional assignment.' We say 'yes' so much without acknowledging what all of ourselves that we're giving.”

“Thanks to the tireless work of President Biden and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, California will receive $600 million to help alleviate homelessness.”

“The foundation of my political socialization, like everyone, probably started at home, where my mom taught me nothing and everything about politics.”

“At a time of pervasive cynicism about our government, it is more important than ever to invest in restoring confidence in our democracy and to build a partnership with the next generation of leaders.”

“Building infrastructure for the future is not just about updating what already exists, but also about planning for a future with climate change in mind.”

“The same politicians working to restrict the right to have control over our own bodies are the ones making it harder for people to vote, and they do this knowing that we cannot have the right to make decisions about our own bodies without our most fundamental right to vote.”

“By creating a clear framework for the redistricting process, we help increase the transparency and accountability needed to ensure the voices of citizens are better represented.”

“Working families have continuously fought for better wages, inclusion, a voice on the job, against threats to budget cuts, and a place at the table to ensure our future generations and communities have the representation they need to thrive.”

“I want to be sure that we continue to uplift and empower Black communities not just in February, but every day and every month, and that we commit ourselves to advancing true equality and opportunity for all Americans.”

“As I grew up, I watched and learned about women who fought for voting rights, civil rights and reproductive freedom among others.”

“I am proud to cosponsor the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act which will enshrine critical voting rights protections into law and reject efforts to undermine the very foundations of our democracy.”

“With the Trump Administration proposing deep cuts in Medicaid that would take a toll on nursing home services, it will be absolutely vital to ensure that California positions itself to protect quality care for people.”

“I try to engage women who are thinking about running for office or up-and-coming leaders to embrace the power they do have, and not think about it from a place of weakness, but really from a place of strength.”

“I believe leaders should have real clarity about why they're in office and what they want to do with the power they hold.”

“I hope I live a long life of public service and I tell my daughter to never say never.”

“I've had many experiences and hold many identities, and I've done a lot of work in all these areas. All of those things have helped to shape how I show up in the world - knowing that I am a Black queer woman who comes from the labor movement, who has dedicated her life to economic empowerment for workers and for women.”

“The Downpayment Toward Equity Act would make homeownership attainable for more families, creating a tangible pathway to social mobility and building wealth.”