THE BUZZ: Sen. Laphonza Butler has captivated the political class as she weighs a run in 2024. Her decision is expected any day now. But there’s growing chatter over another groundbreaking option with perhaps even higher upsides: A historic run for governor in 2026. Even if she decides to run for Senate and loses, several top Democrats, including some close to Gov. Gavin Newsom, say they really want Butler to consider the further-off governor’s race. “Come on,” said one Butler friend from California, talking specifically about a run for governor. “How great would she be?” The person was granted anonymity to reveal their innermost desires. Butler is steeped in union connections as a former leader of SEIU California. In its early stages, the governor’s race has been a contest to win the support of labor. The leading Democratic contenders to replace Newsom when he’s term-limited in three years have been eager to show their affinity for the movement. Left unsaid as they dart from picket line to picket line is that their plodding efforts could suddenly be upended by someone like Butler, who doesn’t merely regurgitate union talking points but lived the life of a front-line organizer. “In California in particular, labor is a very potent force,” veteran Democratic campaign consultant Garry South said of how candidates are gravitating to union causes. Labor support “means not only money, usually, but it also means troops on the ground. Labor members go door-to-door. They go to rallies, and do all the other things that candidates need when they're running for office.” There’s no better sign of labor’s sway than the 2026 field. Confirmed and potential candidates for governor including Attorney General Rob Bonta, state schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond and state Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins all rose to power with endorsements and cash from labor heavyweights. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former president of her father’s development firm, has sided with unions on several causes this cycle, including asking Taylor Swift to postpone Los Angeles shows on behalf of striking hotel workers. Butler’s team was mum on her future prospects, and people close to her say the conflict in the Middle East will likely impact the timing of any announcement. Other candidates and their advisers declined to speak on the record about Butler, though they have been quietly gaming out her potential involvement in the races. Newsom has promised to stay out of the Senate contest, but he or others in his orbit might be compelled to back Butler for governor given that he rocketed her political career into the stratosphere with his recent appointment. Speculation about the governor’s race has picked up among insiders and Sacramento operatives, and now it nearly rivals Butler’s more pressing decision about the Senate. California’s sprawling networks of unions frequently play queen and kingmakers in state elections. Should Butler skip a crowded Senate contest and aim for the state office instead, her history and deep labor connections could scramble the stiff competition for union backing overnight. GOOD MORNING. Happy Thursday. Thanks for waking up with Playbook. PLAYBOOK TIP LINE — Did you hear about someone running for office? Give us a ring or drop us a line. Now you can text us at 916-562-0685 — save it as “CA Playbook” in your contacts now. Or drop us a line at lkorte@politico.com and dgardiner@politico.com, or on Twitter —@DustinGardiner and @Lara_Korte WHERE’S GAVIN? Nothing official announced.
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