Meghan Markle’s ‘run for office’ to fill Californian Senator Dianne Feinstein’s seat

The Duchess of Sussex’s rumoured White House ambitions may have hit a wall after a surprise move by the Governor of California.

Speculation that Meghan Markle would become the next US senator from California has been laid to rest with the appointment of Laphonza Butler – the first out LGBTQ+ Black person to ever serve in the body.

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday appointed women’s rights campaigner and former labor union leader Butler to the United States Senate, filling the vacancy left by the death of Dianne Feinstein.

“I’m proud to announce California’s new United States Senator - Laphonza Butler,” Newsom posted on social media platform X, lauding the new senator for her work “fighting for women and girls” and working people.

Butler will make history by becoming the first Black lesbian to openly serve in the Senate, Newsom added.

I'm proud to announce California's new United States Senator -- Laphonza Butler.

As we mourn the enormous loss of Sen. Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for -- reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence -- have never been under greater assault.… pic.twitter.com/SOnbfVPmXj

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 2, 2023

Feinstein, a titan of US politics who notched a string of legislative achievements during a trailblazing three-decade career in the Senate, died on Thursday.

At 90, she was the Senate’s oldest member, and was celebrated as a pioneer for women in politics and a hugely effective legislator.

Butler will serve the remainder of Feinstein’s term, which expires in 2024.

“As we mourn the enormous loss of Sen. Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for - reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence - have never been under greater assault,” said Newsom.

Butler has been active in California politics for more than 15 years.

She was previously an advisor to US Vice-President Kamala Harris and also served as the head of California’s largest labor union.

“(Butler) has always stood up for what is right and has led with her heart and her values,” said Newsom.

“I have no doubt she will carry the baton left by Senator Feinstein, continue to break glass ceilings, and fight for all Californians in Washington.”

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is said to be considering a run for US politics. Picture: AFP

It comes as Meghan Markle’s name was being mentioned in Hollywood circles as a potential contender to fill the seat left by Feinstein, with various sources receiving tips that Markle might throw her hat in the ring to serve out the remaining 13 months of Feinstein’s term.

A source told the Mail on Sunday: “Meghan is definitely a long-shot but in the craziness that is US politics these days it’s not an impossibility. Crazier things have happened.”

Governor Newsom, 55, has free reign to pick someone to replace Feinstein between now and until the next election is held in November 2024.

He was placed in a similar position in October 2020 when then-candidate Joe Biden chose Californian senator Kamala Harris to be his running mate against Donald Trump.

US Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, died aged 90. Picture: AFP

Previously, the Mail on Sunday reported that a senior Labour Party source confirmed the Duchess of Sussex had been networking among senior Democrats to build a grassroots campaign to fuel her political ambitions.

Markle and Prince Harry reportedly held a virtual hour-long meeting with Gov. Newsom but he picked another candidate.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks onstage during the Clinton Global Initiative September 2023 Meeting. Picture: Getty Images for Clinton Global Initiative

A source said Gov. Newsom intended to replace Sen. Feinstein with a black woman, adding: “The problem he now faces is that all the best candidates have already announced they will be running for Feinstein’s seat in November 2024, the next election.

“Governor Newsom cannot elect any of those candidates to the position now as it would be seen as a huge, and very unfair, advantage.

“So he needs to find a woman of colour who can do the job for 13 months and will agree to not stand against any of the seasoned politicians who have already thrown their hats into the ring.

“There are not that many women who fit the bill. Which is why Meghan’s name is being bandied about.”

The Duchess of Sussex speaks on stage with Gloria Steinem and Teresa Younger during the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards. Picture: Getty Images Ms. Foundation for Women

Markle is close friends with Gloria Steinem who has been introducing her to influential people within the party.

“Meghan is interested in politics more than anything else. That’s where she believes her power is but she has had to focus on making money,” the source told the Mail.

Since moving to the US with Prince Harry in 2020, Meghan has bonded with TV host Oprah Winfrey, a major Democrat donor, and also become friends with members of the Kennedys.

But the source said Markle has not ruled out a White House goal, however some Democrats do not take her “seriously.”