Senator Laphonza Butler tests positive for COVID

Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., is seen during a re-enactment of her swearing-in ceremony to the Senate to succeed the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The crowded, wide-open race to succeed the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein has hit a suspenseful turn as candidates wait for the newly appointed senator to decide if she will seek reelection after being picked to complete the remainder of Feinstein’s term. Butler, a Democratic insider and former labor leader, had never held public office before joining the Senate. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)

by: Veronica Catlin

Posted: Oct 15, 2023 / 05:24 PM PDT

Updated: Oct 15, 2023 / 05:24 PM PDT

(FOX40.COM) — Two weeks after being chosen for a U.S. Senate seat by Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Laphonza Butler tested positive for COVID-19, according to a post she made on social media.

“After a busy first week on the job, I have tested positive for COVID-19 and am experiencing mild symptoms,” Butler said in a post on X on Sunday. “Per CDC guidelines I will be isolating while the Senate is in session and working remotely.”

Butler succeeded the late Dianne Feinstein after the former U.S. senator from California passed away in September.