Rep. Adam Schiff is the latest California Democrat to eye retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer's seat, saying he is giving "serious consideration" to running in the 2016 race.
"Since Senator Boxer announced her retirement, I have been encouraged by many Californians to run for her seat in 2016," Schiff said in a Thursday statement. "As the opportunity to run for a California senate seat comes around very seldom and I would relish the chance to serve the entire state, I am giving the matter serious consideration."
With a Senate seat open for the first time in the state since 1992, a number of Democrats are debating whether to run. California Attorney General Kamala Harris is the only candidate to have officially jumped in so far, while former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Reps. Loretta Sanchez and Xavier Becerra are also considering running. Billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer announced Thursday that he would not seek the seat.
Schiff, whose district includes Burbank, Glendale and Hollywood, was first elected to the House in 2000. Earlier this month, he was named ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
"The demands and responsibilities of this new position are considerable, and I hope to reach a decision in the near future after consulting with my family, friends and constituents," Schiff said in the Thursday statement.
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