(CNN)California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom is opting out of running for retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer's seat, he announced Monday in a Facebook post. "It's always better to be candid than coy. While I am humbled by the widespread encouragement of so many and hold in the highest esteem those who serve us in federal office, I know that my head and my heart, my young family's future, and our unfinished work all remain firmly in the State of California --- not Washington D.C," he wrote. "Therefore I will not seek election to the U.S. Senate in 2016." Boxer's retirement sets off wild scrambleCalifornia Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he won't run for Sen. Barbara Boxer's seatHis decision opens the door for Attorney General Kamala Harris to runMany of California's rising Democratic stars have expressed interest in the race as well
Both have been developing their statewide and national profiles, and they also share the same _-based strategists, increasing the likelihood that if one runs for Senate, the other would opt out. Both have been developing their statewide and national profiles, and they also share the same California-based strategists, increasing the likelihood that if one runs for _, the other would opt out.