Newsom Out, Harris In for California Senate

California Lt. Governor and former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Kamala Harris are two the best up-and-coming politicians in the largest state in the country. They also share a lot of political staff and connections. I'm not shocked that Newsom is staying out of the 2016 Senate race, and Harris is getting in. They couldn't both really run, so only one could now. Newsom probably wants the Governor's job, the next step up for him, which will be available in 2018 (as might be the other U.S. Senate seat in the state). Only one could run now, and Harris is the one who both wants the seat, and has the momentum.

This does not mean that she will cruise into the seat. Former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is considering a run, and billionaire Tom Steyer is planning on running. All of this is prelude of course, as 2018 will bring about a Governor's race that Newsom is essentially in, and a potential Senate race if Diane Feinstein passes on another run. This may be the most expensive primary for a U.S. Senate race ever, but it may not even compare to what's next in California.