(And Assemblywoman Laura Richardson – promoted by blogswarm)

Sen. Jenny Oropeza has announced that she will run in the special election to replace Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald.

California state Sen. Jenny Oropeza (D) announced Wednesday afternoon that she will run in the special election to fill the seat of recently deceased Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D).

“We are all deeply saddened by the event that has brought me here today,” Oropeza said in a statement.(The Hill 5/3/07)

Oropeza, who now represents much of the district, is the early favorite to win the seat.