U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Calif., has officially entered the 2016 U.S. Senate race to succeed incumbent Barbara Boxer's seat.

As Latin Post reported, Boxer announced last January she will not seek re-election in 2016. She has been a senator for California since 1992, following a 10-year run in the House of Representatives.

"I am here to announce that I am a candidate for the United States Senate," said Sanchez on Thursday with family members and supporters, who is currently serving her 10th term in the House of Representatives.

"As the most senior woman in Congress today on military and national security issues, I know what needs to be done to ensure our nation is secure," Sanchez later added from the Santa Ana train station in her district.

Sanchez was elected into the House of Representatives in 1996, receiving 984 more votes than then-incumbent Republican Bob Dornan. He alleged voter fraud as the reason for his defeat and an investigation determined Sanchez was still the winner. Since her victory, Sanchez has won each of her elections by double digits.

Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., and former Army Secretary Louis Caldera are also in consideration for Boxer's senate seat.

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Sanchez will not be alone in the race for Boxer's seat. California Attorney General Kamala Harris previously announced her senate bid on Jan. 13.

"I want to be a voice for Californians on these issues and others that impact our state in the U.S. Senate," said Harris in a statement.

"I will be a fighter for the next generation on the critical issues facing our country. I will be a fighter for middle class families who are feeling the pinch of stagnant wages and diminishing opportunity. I will be a fighter for our children who deserve a world-class education, and for students burdened by predatory lenders and skyrocketing tuition. And I will fight relentlessly to protect our coast, our immigrant communities and our seniors."

Democrats are expected to win the senate seat in 2016. Democratic candidates have consistently been victorious in California as the political party controls the statewide offices and both Legislature chambers.

Two Republican have announced their bids: California state Assemblyman Rocky Chavez and former state GOP chairman Tom Del Beccaro.

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.