WASHINGTON (KMJ/CBS/AP) – California's Junior U.S. Senator – Democrat Barbara Boxer – says she will not seek re-election in 2016 to a fifth term.
The 74-year-old Boxer made the announcement in a video with her grandson.
She was first elected to the House in 1982 and then to the Senate one decade later. It was an election that marked a watershed year for women in politics with four winning U.S. Senate seats, including fellow Californian Dianne Feinstein.
Among those touted to take her seat are current Attorney General Kamala Harris – Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom – and former Mayor of L.A. Antonio Villaraigosa.
Current Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin has also been suggested as a candidate on the Republican side.
In the Senate, Boxer has been a staunch supporter of abortion rights, gun control and environmental protections.
