After spending time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Barbara Lee reportedly has her eyes set on a seat in the U.S. Senate. According to The Hill, Lee informed members of the Congressional Black Caucus that she intends to run for the seat currently held by Dianne Feinstein. Feinstein has not publicly announced her retirement, but several political insiders expect her to walk away from Capitol Hill in 2024 at 90 years old.
“California deserves a Senator with a record of accomplishment and a progressive vision,” Lee stated.
“While the United States Senate is sorely lacking the presence of people of color, Black women in particular, today I am focused on helping Californians stay safe in this extreme weather and fighting the House Republicans’ extreme agenda.”
Despite reports from The Hill and POLITICO, Lee maintains that she has not officially declared her intent to run for the officer held by Feinstein. Instead, she intends to make a decision when she feels it’s “appropriate.”
“I said there’s a time and a place that I’ll talk about this because I’m planning — but not now — to talk about it, that I’m concentrating on working with my district and with California on the devastating floods, and, with all respect to Sen. Feinstein, that there’s a time and a place to talk about it because I respect her and her decisions,” Lee told The Hill after meeting with the CBC earlier this week.
If she does decide to run, she will compete against Rep. Katie Porter. Earlier this week, Porter officially launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate.
“California needs a warrior in Washington,” Porter stated.
“That’s exactly why I’m announcing my candidacy for the United States Senate in 2024.”
Election Day is set for November 5, 2024.
