Laphonza Butler says she never imagined becoming a U.S. senator

Laphonza Butler, 44, isn't new to politics, but she is new to the United States Senate, sworn in just 10 days ago filling the seat of the late Dianne Feinstein.

Butler is now the only Black woman in the senate and the third Black female senator ever. Butler says her 70-year-old mother who raised her in Mississippi is loving this new journey as well.

"I get to live my Hollywood best life right here in this moment and it didn't take me 70 years to do it," said Butler.

Butler's first official public appearance as senator took place at the Roybal School of Film and Television Production Magnet, which is in its second year teaching students from underserved communities about jobs in Hollywood in an effort to diversify the industry. The founder of the school is George Clooney.

"Our industry has failed. Governor, you were talking about how this is the most diverse state. It's not the most diverse industry and it hasn't been. It's because there's legacies. We haven't been able to fix that problem and trying to fix it at the end as opposed to the beginning is a bad way to do it. This is way to fix it," said Clooney.

The school is backed by some of the biggest names in Hollywood including IATSE, CAA, Amazon, and actors Don Cheadle, Kerry Washington, and Eva Longoria. Butler is no stranger to Los Angeles where she has a home and led SEIU California. Her message to Roybal students: dream big.

"I want you to just hear a little bit about what Gov. Newsom was referring to as this opportunity to dream. There's a quote I always refer to when I'm challenged with something difficult in front of me that I may not have ever imagined doing, like being a U.S. senator. If your actions inspire others to learn more, dream more, do more, you are a leader," said Butler.

Butler has remained silent on whether she'll enter the competitive senate race to replace Feinstein at the end of next year. Three big names in Congress and California politics, Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff and Katie Porter, have already been running in that race for months.

Butler has until Dec. 8 to file for the March 2024 primary.