Calif. lieutenant gov won’t run for Senate

California Lieutenant Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) will not run for Senate to replace retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), he said in a Facebook post Monday.

{mosads}“While I am humbled by the widespread encouragement of so many and hold in the highest esteem those who serve us in federal office, I know that my head and my heart, my young family’s future, and our unfinished work all remain firmly in the State of California — not Washington D.C.,” he wrote. “I will not seek election to the U.S. Senate in 2016.” 

Newsom gained traction as a possible candidate for the Senate just hours after Boxer released a video last Thursday announcing her impending retirement. His decision takes one heavy hitter out of what many assume will be a crowded and expensive race.

Newsom’s decision likely makes way for state Attorney General Kamala Harris (D). The two share a fundraising and political base, along with the same Democratic consultant, and have signaled they wouldn’t run against each other. 

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said Sunday in a Facebook post that he is “seriously” considering a bid, and those close to billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer say he’s also weighing a run. 

Two big-name Republicans, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) have both said they will not run.

Thanks to California’s top-two primary system, two Democrats could advance to the general election in the deep blue state, though.