If state Attorney General Kamala Harris hoped Tuesday’s quick announcement that she’s running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Barbara Boxer would clear the Democratic field, she hasn’t been paying much attention to California politics.
With
the state’s first open Senate seat in 24 years as the prize, it’s unlikely that Harris or anyone else will get a free pass into the November 2016 election.
“There are just too many egos out there,” said Allan Hoffenblum, a one-time GOP operative who now publishes the nonpartisan California Target Book. “If you want to make someone stay in the race, just tell them to get out.”
Although Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday he wouldn’t make a Senate run, that still leaves plenty of Democrats who could be in the mix. They include former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Tom Steyer, a billionaire former hedge fund manager who has given millions to support environmentalist candidates.
Taking a look
Democratic Rep. Loretta Sanchez of Santa Ana (Orange County) waited until after Harris’ announcement to send out e-mails saying she was “seriously considering” running for Senate. Other Democratic House members taking a look at the race include Reps. John Garamendi of Walnut Grove (Sacramento County) and Eric Swalwell of Dublin.
Political considerations had nothing to do with Harris’ timing, said Brian Brokaw, a spokesman for her newborn campaign.
“If you’re announcing a campaign for U.S. Senate in the biggest state in the country, you either jump in with both feet or stay out,” he said. “Other people can draw their own conclusions, but for Kamala Harris, once you decide, you announce.”
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