California's most powerful political positions rarely feature wide-open campaigns, and a number of prominent Democrats are either considering a run or being urged by supporters to cast their hat into the ring.
On Saturday, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced he will explore the possibility of a Senate candidacy -- after pretty much ruling out the idea weeks earlier, when the buzz began about Boxer's possible retirement.
"The urgency of the needs of the people of this great state have convinced me to seriously consider looking at running for California's open Senate seat," he said in a written statement.
None of the other prominent politicians whose names have been bandied about -- most notably, Attorney General Kamala Harris or wealthy environmental activist Tom Steyer -- have commented on their intentions in 2016 or beyond.
Harris is of particular interest to political watchers, as both she and Newsom have been talked about in the 2018 election to succeed Gov. Jerry Brown.
Newsom's statement, while silent on his future plans, will no doubt lead many observers to conclude his focus is on the state's top position.
Newsom, 47, was elected to a second term as lieutenant governor this past November. The former San Francisco mayor has three young children, and alluded to his parenting duties in his announcement to not run for the U.S. Senate.
