It’s All in the Timing: Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee Plans to Launch Campaign for California Senate During Black History Month

She’s joining the race to win California’s Senate seat.

California Democrat Rep. Barbara Lee will run for Senate at the end of the month, officially launching her campaign during Black History Month.

According to The Washington Post, Lee is preparing to enter a battle for the seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, where her campaign will bring light to the absence of Black women in the U.S. Senate. Reportedly, there are no current Black women serving in the U.S. Senate following the departure of Vice President Kamala Harris.

“Currently, there are no Black women in the U.S. Senate, and there have only been two in our almost 250-year history. Our voices are sorely missed in the Senate,” Lee said. “My lived experience as a Black woman making true progressive change for Californians will give a voice in the U.S. to those who are currently voiceless.”

“I have spent my life fighting against discrimination and speaking on behalf of people of color, underserved communities, and those living in poverty. It is why I have worked for and achieved progressive change my entire life,” Lee said in a statement to ABC News.

The race for the California seat amongst Democrats is predicted to be one of the most competitive in the election cycle, as many prominent politicians, including Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff and Katie Porter, have already launched campaigns for the seat . Sources predict Lee could face an uphill battle in her run for the California Senate seat. Other believe two Democrats could possibly battle during the general election.

“While she lacks the fundraising might of Porter and Schiff, Lee is a revered figure in the Oakland-anchored district she has represented for decades,” Politico observed. “Her deep Bay Area roots could be an asset given that both Porter and Schiff represent southern California districts.”

Feinstein, 89, the oldest serving senator who has served in her California seat since 1992, announced that she will not seek re-election in 2024.