Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) says he's taking a "very close look" at running for retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer's seat.
According to the Washington Post, Becerra told reporters that he's considering running in the 2016 race.
"I'm going to take a very close look at it," he said. "Obviously, I need to have the process move with due speed."
Becerra added that his family would be a major factor in whether he decides to run.
"I've got to get my wife and three daughters to say, 'We're there,'" he said.
Becerra, who represents downtown Los Angeles, was first elected to the House in 1992. He currently serves as the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, making him the chamber's fourth-ranking Democrat.
Boxer's retirement, which she announced last week, leaves California with an open Senate seat for the first time since 1992.
While California Attorney General Kamala Harris is the only candidate who has officially jumped in the race, Becerra joins a growing list of California Democrats expressing interest in Boxer's seat. Rep. Loretta Sanchez, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer have all said they are considering running.
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