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Politics & Policy

Rep. Katie Porter says she’s running for Feinstein’s Senate seat

Rep. Katie Porter attends an election night watch party in Costa Mesa on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
Rep. Katie Porter attends an election night watch party in Costa Mesa on Nov. 8, 2022. | Getty Images | Source: Mindy Schauer/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

California Rep. Katie Porter, who represents Orange County in the House of Representatives, is launching a bid for the U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by veteran lawmaker Dianne Feinstein.

Porter is the first major candidate to openly seek the position.

"California needs a warrior in the Senate—to stand up to special interests, fight the dangerous imbalance in our economy, and hold so-called leaders like Mitch McConnell accountable for rigging our democracy," said Porter in a video announcement.

Feinstein, who is 89, has served in the U.S. Senate since 1992. She began her political career on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming mayor after the assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone.

Although Feinstein has made no indications she will retire, media reporting has raised questions about the senior lawmaker's cognitive health.

Feinstein filed initial paperwork to run for reelection in 2024, but has not yet announced her plans.