Adam "Shifty" Schiff is officially joining the Senate ahead of schedule after his black female placeholder stepped aside.

Governor Gavin Newsom (D) appointed Schiff to his Senate seat starting Monday after incumbent Laphonza Butler resigned, leaving Schiff to serve the rest of Butler's term.

As Breitbart note, Newsom's move, "while technically legal, is an evident attempt by California to gain an edge in the Senate by giving Schiff seniority over newly elected senators from other states, who will only be sworn into their offices on January 3, 2025."

Adam Schiff appointed

Schiff won the race in November for the Senate seat formerly held by the late Dianne Feinstein, who died in office last year.

The scramble over Feinstein's seat exposed the fraudulent identity politics of the Democratic party, as Newsom appointed a token placeholder to the role after promising to choose a black woman.

Newsom had faced pressure to appoint Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee, one of Schiff's primary rivals, who was actively vying for Feinstein's seat. Instead, Newsom chose Butler, who immediately made it clear she would not seek a full term.

Newsom lavished praise on Butler in an oozing, patronizing statement after she resigned on December 8.

"Laphonza has never shied away from fighting for what’s right. She works not for recognition, but for the greater good — a commitment that began long before her time in the Senate and will continue well beyond it,” Newsom said.

“Thank you, Senator Butler, for your dedication and service and for honoring the life and legacy of the late Dianne Feinstein, a legacy I’m confident Senator-elect Schiff will also carry forward.”

Anti-Trump attack dog

Schiff is known for his pious moralizing on democracy and principle, which he showcased during his time in the House as one of the loudest and most reliably anti-Trump voices.

He repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that Donald Trump colluded with Russia - and Schiff also played a leading role in impeaching Trump over his dealings with Ukraine.

A close ally of San Francisco Democrat Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Schiff had the inside track for California's Senate seat after Feinstein died in office last year - and Schiff, guided by his vaunted principles, did not wait for Feinstein to expire before he threw his hat in the ring.

Despite his frequent painting of Republicans as dangerous extremists, he boosted Republican and former MLB player Steve Garvey in California's non-partisan primary. Schiff hoped to avoid a competitive general election fight against another Democrat, and the cynical plan worked, as Garvey advanced to a lopsided fall matchup against Schiff.

As Schiff climbs another step on the ladder of ambition, Trump is calling for Schiff and others who worked on the January 6th committee to face jail.