California Attorney General Kamala Harris to Announce Run for US Senate Seat
California Attorney General Kamala Harris is poised to announce her candidacy for the US Senate seat currently held by Barbara Boxer, setting the stage for one of the most expensive and competitive races in the country in 2016. Harris, a strong fundraiser with a close alliance with President Barack Obama, would be a formidable candidate in the race. Her decision to run comes after Boxer announced she would not seek re-election in 2016, sparking interest from several other potential contenders, including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and billionaire climate change activist Tom Steyer.
Key Takeaways:
- Kamala Harris, California Attorney General, plans to announce her candidacy for Barbara Boxer's US Senate seat on Tuesday.
- Harris, 50, has a strong fundraising base in California and a close alliance with President Barack Obama, making her a formidable candidate in the race.
- Several other potential contenders have expressed interest in the post, including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and billionaire climate change activist Tom Steyer.
- Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom bowed out of contention, potentially clearing the way for Harris to secure the Democratic nomination.
- Harris was just re-elected to her second term as attorney general in November and has a strong political base in California.
- Her position in the Senate could be a stepping stone for her future ambitions, potentially setting her up for a run for governor or higher office in the future.
Statistics:
- 50: The age of Kamala Harris, the California Attorney General who plans to announce her candidacy for the US Senate seat.
- 2016: The year the US Senate seat is up for election, and the year Barbara Boxer announced she would not seek re-election.
- 2nd term: The number of terms Kamala Harris has served as California Attorney General.
- 47: The age of Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who bowed out of the US Senate race.
- 2018: The year Jerry Brown faces term limits, potentially opening up the governor's office for Gavin Newsom to run for.
Sources:
- CNN article: "California Attorney General Kamala Harris to announce bid for US Senate seat, sources say" (January 4, 2016)
- Facebook statement by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom (January 4, 2016)