Kamala Harris in, Gavin Newsom out in run for Boxer's Senate seat

◼ Just like that, the race for Barbara Boxer's coveted U.S. Senate seat, which opens up when she retires in 2016, took surprisingly quick shape Monday as two of California's highest-profile Democrats revealed their plans. - San Jose Mercury News

Since Boxer announced last Thursday that her current, fourth six-year term will be her last, the question plaguing politicians and pundits has been, "who will run for what?" At play is not only this seat, but the governor's office in 2018 when Gov. Jerry Brown will be term-limited out, and also California's other U.S. Senate seat, as many believe Sen. Dianne Feinstein will retire after her current term expires.

Harris, 50, who splits her time between San Francisco and Los Angeles and was just sworn into her second term as California's "top cop," isn't just announcing interest in the 2016 Senate race, a top political aide said late Monday: "She's in, she's declaring candidacy." Her announcement is expected Tuesday.

Hours earlier, Newsom, 47, of Ross, had posted an announcement to Facebook saying he's out and implying he's more interested in succeeding Brown as governor.

◼ Villaraigosa ‘seriously’ considering Senate run; Steyer to decide soon - Sacramento Bee

Villaraigosa, who left office in 2013, is one of several high-profile Democrats who may have their eye on Boxer’s seat in 2016. Others include Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Kamala Harris, environmental activist Tom Steyer and U.S. Reps. Jackie Speier, Loretta Sanchez and John Garamendi. Among the Republicans, former state GOP chairmen Tom Del Beccaro and Duf Sundheim are plotting runs.

◼ avin Newsom won’t run for California Senate seat; all eyes on Kamala Harris - Politico


Americans for Prosperity California - GAVIN NEWSOM OUT of Senate race to replace Boxer. Possible contenders... State Attorney General Kamala Harris (California's version of Elizabeth Warren), Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (California's version of Bill Clinton), Rep. Jackie Speier (California's version of an empty suit), and Tom Steyer (California's version of Al Gore).