Long-standing Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) filed paperwork Wednesday to pave the way to join a crowded field that seeks to fill Sen. Dianne Feinstein's (D-CA) seat.
Lee, 76, hasn't launched her campaign yet, but an announcement is expected to come by the end of the month, according to a spokesperson. Should she join the contest, she will square off against Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Katie Porter (D-CA).
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Last month, Lee informed members of the Congressional Black Caucus that she intended to mount a Senate campaign, CNN reported. Lee has served in the House for over two decades and had $52,000 in cash on hand in her latest filing with the Federal Election Commission.
Under California's system, the top two contenders in the primary, regardless of party, head to the general election. This means that the Democratic skirmish over the seat could spill over into the general election.
Feinstein, the oldest sitting senator at 89, bowed out of the contest this week in an announcement that was mired by internal confusion as the senator appeared to be unaware that her staff had put out the statement on her exit.
Lee's filing with the FEC to establish a fundraising committee came a day after Feinstein revealed she wouldn't vie for reelection. She is famous for being the sole member of Congress to vote against military action after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Her rivals have considerable financial firepower at their side, with Schiff having an estimated $20 million war chest by the end of 2022 and Porter having amassed over $7.4 million.
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Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has endorsed Schiff in the race.
Lee is not the only member of Congress eyeing an entry into the heated California Senate race. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) is also rumored to be mulling a run. The Washington Examiner contacted a Lee spokesperson for comment.