Shortly after U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) announced on Thursday that he will not seek re-election, Sandra Fluke said she is "strongly considering" a run to replace his seat, TIME reported.
"I'm flattered that I'm being discussed as a potential candidate, especially for Rep. Waxman's seat, considering his incredible legacy," Fluke said in an email to TIME. "A number of folks I respect very deeply have reached out today and encouraged me to run. I am strongly considering running. I'll be making my decision soon."
Fluke, 32, rose to fame in 2012 when she was initially denied the chance to testify in Congress on the contraception requirements in the Affordable Care Act while studying law at Georgetown University. Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh then called her a "slut" and "prostitute," prompting a media firestorm that ended advertising contracts with his show and led Fluke to become one of the most well-known women's health advocates.
However, a number of others have suggested a run for Waxman's seat. According to TIME, spiritual author Marianne Williamson said she might run in November, before Waxman announced his plan to step down, in addition to state Senators Ted Lieu and Fran Pavley. A report in the Sacramento Bee said Assemblyman Richard Bloom may also be considering a run for the seat.
Fluke, a native of Pennsylvania, has only lived in Los Angeles since completing law school. Waxman represents the 33rd istrict, which includes Malibu, Santa Monica, and Long Beach.
Waxman, 74, was elected to Congress in 1975 and played an instrumental role in passing Obamacare in the House of Representatives.
On Twitter, Fluke thanked the Congressman for his decades of work.
"A sincere thank you to liberal champion @WaxmanClimate for 40 years of service to our community in L.A.," she tweeted.
