Rep. Loretta Sanchez is the latest California Democrat to express interest in retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer's seat.
"For the past 18 years, I have focused on putting California’s working families first. From immigration reform to affordable health care to funding quality education, I have advocated for policies that give all families the same access to the American Dream," Sanchez said in a Tuesday statement. "Californians deserve a strong voice in Washington and I have never been afraid to speak up, which is why I am seriously considering running for the United States Senate in 2016."
Sanchez was first elected to Congress in 1996, representing part of Southern California's Orange County. She explored running for California governor in 2010, but ultimately decided against jumping in the race.
Boxer, who has served in the Senate for more than two decades, announced last week that she would not run for re-election in 2016. The state has not had an open Senate seat since Boxer was first elected in 1992.
Sanchez's statement came hours after California Attorney General Kamala Harris announced that she would run for the seat, becoming the first candidate to officially jump in the race. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has also said he is considering running, while California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday that he would stay out of the race.
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