Rep. Barbara Lee Announces Intention to Run for California’s U.S. Senate Seat, Setting Up a Potential Showdown with Rep. Katie Porter

WASHINGTON — Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced her intention to run for California’s U.S. Senate seat in a closed-door meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus on Wednesday, according to two people familiar with the meeting.

The announcement comes a day after Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) announced her own plans to run for the same seat in 2024. The current seat is held by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), who has yet to make an official announcement on whether she will seek another term.

Lee, 89, is one of the most liberal members of Congress and was the only lawmaker to vote against authorizing the use of force against Afghanistan in 2001. She has recently faced questions about her cognitive health, which has been an ongoing topic of coverage in several news outlets.

Lee has served in the House of Representatives since 1998 and is the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. She has been a vocal advocate for progressive causes such as criminal justice reform, healthcare, and economic justice.

Feinstein has served in the Senate since 1992 and is the oldest member of the chamber. If she decides to retire, it will be the first time in over three decades that the seat is open.

The California Senate race is shaping up to be a competitive one, with both Lee and Porter vying for the seat. It is unclear when Feinstein will make her decision, but it is expected that she will step down after completing her term this year.