California’s incoming senator is joining the Senate Judiciary Committee to sustain the panel’s Democratic majority amid efforts to confirm President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees before Republicans take control of the White House and Senate.

Newsom also praised Butler’s commitment to public service and expressed confidence in Schiff’s ability to carry forward the legacy of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, whose term Butler was appointed to complete in October 2023. Feinstein passed away earlier that month.

Butler had been appointed to the position by Governor Gavin Newsom in October of last year following the death of Diane Feinstein. Butler did not seek election to the seat last month, and Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff won the General Election.