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The Democratic representative of California Katie Porter announced a candidacy for Senate for the 2024 electionlaunching his campaign for the seat of the also Democratic senator Diane Feinstein.
Dianne Feinstein, 89, a member of the Senate since 1992, has yet to make public her own plans for 2024, and her office did not respond to requests for comment on Porter’s announcement. Nevertheless, many Democrats believe Feinstein is likely to retire instead of seeking a full sixth term.
Katie Porter, a former law professor who has proven to be a prolific fundraiser since first winning her House seat for the Orange County area in 2018, survived a tough re-election in 2022when the redistricting process placed his Irvine home within a 47th District in which he had to run again before roughly two-thirds of voters, according to CNN.
On Tuesday, Porter made it clear that she is not willing to wait for Feinstein, 89, to make a formal decision.
In a video announcing his campaign, Porter said that “it is time for new leadership in the United States Senate. California needs a warrior in Washington,” Porter said. “That is exactly why I am announcing my candidacy for the United States Senate in 2024.”
California needs a warrior in the Senate—to stand up to special interests, fight the dangerous imbalance in our economy, and hold so-called leaders like Mitch McConnell accountable for rigging our democracy.
Today, I’m proud to announce my candidacy for the US Senate in 2024. pic.twitter.com/X1CSE8T12B
— Katie Porter (@katieporteroc) January 10, 2023
She is not the only prominent California Democrat interested in Feinstein’s Senate seat.
Rep. Adam Schiff has also said he is considering a 2024 Senate run. Two other Democratic members of California’s House delegation, Reps. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif. ), are also seen as potential contenders.
The Senate primary could turn particularly contentious in 2024 as no Democrat is seen as the clear favorite to succeed Feinstein, who has served in the Senate for more than three decades.