Democratic Rep. Katie Porter announced on Tuesday morning her candidacy for California’s Senate seat — currently held by fellow Democrat Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving female senator in history.
In her announcement video posted to Twitter, Porter said it’s time for new leadership in the U.S. Senate.
“I don’t do Congress the way others often do. I use whatever power I have, speak hard truths to the powers that be,” Porter said. “To not just challenge the status quo, but call it out.”
Rep. Katie Porter speaks during a campaign stop at the Huntington Landmark Senior Community in Huntington Beach, Calif., Oct. 17, 2022.
Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images, FILE
Although Feinstein, who’s 89, has not announced whether she’ll seek reelection, other California Democrats may be eyeing the seat, including Reps. Barbara Lee and Adam Schiff.
California has a jungle primary, which means two Democrats could be pitted against each other during the general election.
Porter, 49, a progressive star in the Democratic party, won reelection for this past November in a tight race for California’s 47th Congressional District.
The former law professor and mother to three has served in the House of Representatives since 2019. But she holds a closely divided district and has lagged behind California Democrats cycle after cycle.
While it’s believed that Feinstein will not run again in 2024, the senator has not commented on her political future.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.