WASHINGTON — Sen. Barbara Boxer's decision not to seek re-election to a fifth term provides a rare opening for ambitious California Democrats who have been waiting patiently to move up the political ranks.
Sen. Boxer's retirement frees a logjam for Calif. Democrats aspiring to higher office
By KEVIN FREKING
January 9, 2015 at 8:30AM
Boxer and Senate colleague Dianne Feinstein first won election to the Senate in 1992 and have pretty much had a lock on their jobs. Another venerable Democrat, Gov. Jerry Brown, was just sworn in for a record fourth term.
A Democratic strategist, Michael Trujillo, says a number of Democratic rock stars have been sitting on the bench. He says many of them are ready to bring their brand to a larger stage.
Among the Democrats who might try to succeed Boxer are Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, state Attorney General Kamala Harris and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
