California Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer announced today that she will not seek re-election to a new term next year.
The 74-year-old Boxer made the announcement in an unusual video (above) in which she answered questions posed by her grandson, Zach Rodham. “I am never going to retire. The work is too important. But I will not be running for the Senate in 2016,” Boxer said.
In the video, Boxer’s grandson is a surrogate reporter posing questions to her. Rodham is the son of Nicole Boxer and Tony Rodham, Hillary Rodham Clinton’s youngest brother.
“I want to help our Democratic candidate for president make history,” Boxer tells her grandson, a clear reference to a possible bid by Clinton.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) highlighted her outstanding service, commitment to LGBT equality and support for fairness for all Americans.
“Senator Boxer has been a trailblazing champion of equality for LGBT people since her earliest days in public office,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “She was a leader against DOMA and ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ when many of her colleagues either championed or quietly voted for the discriminatory legislation. LGBT Americans need more principled leaders like Barbara Boxer fighting for full equality. We congratulate and thank her for her exceptional years of service and look forward to continuing to work with her throughout the remainder of her term.”
Boxer’s retirement sets off a free-for-all among a new generation of California Democrats, who have been ascendant in the state for decades.
