SENATOR BOXER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT IN 2016

By Hayden Parsley

January 8, 2015 (Washington D.C.)--After two decades in the senate, California Senator Barbara Boxer announced this Thursday that she will not run for reelection in 2016.

At 74 years old, Boxer states she will put effort into ensuring her seat remains with her Democratic Party. She also says she will, “Keep fighting for the issues I love,” and plans to spend her time helping people. She says that neither her age nor the Republican majority are factors in her decision, but that she wants to come home to the state that she loves.

In her 22-year career in the Senate, Boxer has been committed to women’s rights and environmental issues and has stuck to her liberal principles. She says that her goals have always been worth fighting for and that “as long as there are issues, challenges, and strife, I will never retire.” She adds that she is proud that California has believed in her all these years.

Boxer posted a video on her website making the announcement with her grandson, Zach Rodham, who is also the nephew of Hilary Rodham Clinton, raising speculation that she could be promoting a future career in politics for young Rodham. She also posted a list of what she considers her 100 most important accomplishments.

The Sacramento Bee reports that potential candidates to replace Boxer include Attorney General Kamala Harris and Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, both Democrats.