“I am extremely moved by the outpouring of local and national support I have received since I announced that I was considering running for office. My entire career has been devoted to the public interest, whether representing victims of human trafficking or advocating for working families,” Fluke said late Tuesday night. “I am committed to continuing that fight in Sacramento, working to protect our environment, ensure our access to health care, and create the jobs that are desperately needed. While I strongly considered offering my candidacy for Congress, I feel there is a better way for me to advance the causes that are important to our community.”
Fluke became famous in 2012 after radio host Rush Limbaugh called her a “slut” when the then-law student testified in Congress in favor of mandatory insurance coverage of contraception.
After graduating from law school, she moved to Los Angeles, passed the California bar exam, has been active in Democratic circles and has spent time working on issues related to the foster-care system and a living wage. Rumors have long circulated that she would eventually run for office.
Fluke said she plans to run for the state Senate seat currently held by Ted Lieu, who is running for Waxman’s congressional seat.
