Rep. Katie Porter announces bid for Dianne Feinstein’s Senate seat

California congresswoman Katie Porter announced she was running for the Senate seat currently occupied by Dianne Feinstein, even though the sitting Senator has not announced she’s retiring.

“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,” Porter, 49, said in her announcement.

Porter, a Democrat, won re-election in a tight race in November and has become known for progressive policies, like banning members of Congress from trading stocks, and viral internet moments, often using whiteboards and other props to emphasize her points during House hearings. She was a consumer protection attorney before joining Congress.

Feinstein was noncommittal in response to Porter’s announcement.

“Everyone is of course welcome to throw their hat in the ring, and I will make an announcement concerning my plans for 2024 at the appropriate time,” she said.

The senator added she was focusing on California’s response to devastating, deadly storms.

Feinstein, 89, has been in the Senate since 1993.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said in 2021 that he would appoint a Black woman to Feinstein’s seat if she retired before the end of her term.

With News Wire Services