Sen. LaFonza Butler (D-Calif.), whom Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed last year to replace the late Dianne Feinstein, has been in Congress for just over 100 days. On Wednesday, ahead of her first formal speech on the Senate floor, she spoke to the Times about what she hopes to accomplish before leaving office early next year.

Butler, who has said he will not run for re-election, has talked about the 2024 presidential election, why he won't seek a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, his declining influence in California's Congress, and what he will do after leaving the Gaza Strip. He talked about what his political future would be. Senate.

This transcript has been condensed and edited for clarity.

You are one of 100 junior senators in a larger government agency with more than 500 members.very difficult in parliament flat A group of people to accomplish something.What do you think you can realistically accomplish during your term as an MP??

I appreciate the realism of the frame you're providing, but I'm not naive to that reality. The goal is always to pass meaningful legislation, and I'm realistic about the time frame we have to do it. But if what I can do is create a model for my colleagues to elevate the discussion around the governance of those who are responsible for advancing democracy, then I think that's meaningful. To me, even if we can't pass a bill, if we can elevate the conversation, that's meaningful.

Are you working across the aisle to make this happen? If so, Who Do you work together?

I look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle. I've had conversations with a lot of people about mental health issues, from Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama to Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama. [Marsha] Blackburn, a Tennessee native, talks about the crisis facing foster youth. I think there's an opportunity on the other side of the aisle to do some really meaningful work, and we need to be quick about it.

your party was funmeterKey to the campaign are voting rights and reproductive rights. Are you even remotely interested in taking it forward? If so, what have you done, what can you do, and what will you do?

Me too, that's one of the reasons I asked [Senate Majority Leader Charles E.] Mr. Schumer will continue to serve on the Judiciary Committee. If we are to truly face a democratic future, it must advance our democratic ideals. Protect a free and independent press and ensure that the freedoms and desires once considered constitutionally protected are restored.

This is a crucial element in restoring young people's trust that the government will work on their behalf. I am the chair of the Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on the Constitution, and it is my duty to continue to elevate these issues and dialogue through hearings and other meetings to keep issues of democracy and freedom at the forefront. This will be a very important method.

Is there anything I can do as a senator other than pass legislation?

The incredible power of members of Congress, especially U.S. senators, is the strength of their pulpits and their ability to hold meetings. I think the opportunity to deepen the conversation and elevate the narrative of needed change are both incredibly powerful tools. And using this platform and this bully pulpit to be able to have conversations with people who don't think they're included or who have been excluded in the past is something that has been introduced in this short period of time. This is one of the tools you must have. That we're going to go into the Senate.

Is there anything you didn't know about Washington before you came here, or something you wish Californians knew?

I think the beautiful thing about California is the diversity of the state. As you know, we are the largest X community. Please fill in the blanks. Fill in the blanks outside of Y. That also applies to the largest Palestinian community outside of Palestine. Largest Armenian community outside of Armenia. The largest Chinese community outside of China. Largest Jewish community outside of Israel. And the beauty of living and experiencing that beauty and diversity.

My message to Californians is, don't let anyone make that your weakness. We must continue to expand on what makes our country and state special. And that is the way we must choose to solve our greatest challenges.

California really shows the journey between. [Proposition] 187 and undocumented bills passed in Sacramento. [people] within the scope of medical insurance. So I think it's a great journey.I think it really honors who we are as Californians. [and] He is a great example of who we have been as Americans and who we can continue to be as Americans. And for me, that's part of the story I wanted to tell other people in this country.

Do you think there will be a loss of seniority in Congress with the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein and the ouster of the former Speaker of the House? kevin mccarthy Has there been or will there be any benefit or loss to Californians?

California is the world's fifth largest economy and home to 40 million people. This is not something to be taken lightly. And when you have an icon like Dianne Feinstein, who has served over 30 years in an organization that values ​​seniority, of course that's something we have to overcome.

Both I and Sen. Alex Padilla are new in terms of seniority, and my colleagues in Congress have a mix of tenure and tenure. But it's the people of California who give us strength. It is the scope and scale of our nation that keeps us engaged across different policy areas. So we have to continue to push it forward and lead it as the delegation restores its seniority.

What do you think about the polls showing President Biden leading former President Trump if they face off in the election? Is that a sign of what's to come? Do you think it's too early to say?

Yes, it's early. yes. Polls are snapshots in time, and America, the American people, are whole people. They live their whole lives, and as governments and elected officials, we need to seriously talk about and address the challenges they face today, as well as what we do to ameliorate those challenges. They need us to provide a vision of who they are. .

Why not call for a ceasefire in Gaza? Do you think it makes sense for the senators to call for a ceasefire?

I never want my voice to be used to dehumanize Californians or Americans. While we recognize that the atrocities of October 7 were horrific and while respecting the humanity of innocent Palestinian lives being used as political pawns by terrorist organizations, we urge Israel to We can recognize that we have the right to defend our country. [Hamas]. Therefore, I would like to devote my time, energy, and attention to ensuring that we advocate for a permanent solution. And I don't want to continue using language that further divides our party, our community, or our country.

What is dehumanizing language?

For some it is the text of a ceasefire, for others [it] are other words and phrases used in this context. For me, I want to focus on what solutions can be implemented now and in the future to achieve both goals.

whometer Will you support the California State Senate race?

The answer is [none] Of the above. The answer is that I am responsible for doing the work of 40 million Californians.

Once the Senate race is over, do you plan to run for public office in California or elsewhere?

I want to live a long life as a public servant, and I tell my daughter never to say “never.” And that's how I answer that question. I'm not saying never, and I don't know what I'm going to do after this.