California: Sen. Barbara Boxer Will Not Seek Re-Election In 2016

Sen. Barbara Boxer of California has announced, via video "interview" with her grandson, that she will not seek re-election in 2016.

As NBC notes, this sets several big name Democrats in motion for the open Senate seat:

High-profile California Democrats like Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, state Attorney General Kamala Harris and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa have had to bide their time with Sens. Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, as well as Gov. Jerry Brown, occupying the top three statewide offices.

So now's their chance.

And if you include current Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, there are as many as four well-known Democrats who might have their eyes on Boxer's seat, potentially setting up a titantic and expensive race to succeed her. There's also the possibility that a Silicon Valley entrepreneur or Hollywood star (remember Arnold Schwarzenegger) is interested in running.

Worth noting: California has a top-two primary system - regardless of party - so it's possible that two Democrats clash in the 2016 general election. Or one Democrat and one Republican. Or even two Republicans (though that's very, very unlikely in this blue state).

"I am never going to retire," Boxer says in the video. "The work is too important. But I will not be running for the Senate in 2016."

"I want to come home. I want to come home to the state I love so much, California."

See Boxer's announcement below: