Washington, Jan 13 : The Indian origin California Attorney General Kamala Harris will be running for the seat of retiring Senator Barbara Boxer, entering the race as an early frontrunner, said a person familiar with her plans.

According to the Washington Post, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, a close ally of Harris said that he would not enter the race.

Newsom and Harris are known to be the top stars in the politics of California.

Boxer announced last week that she is retiring, setting off a scramble for her seat.

Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and other democrats have also expressed interest in the race.

California uses an all-party primary system in which the top two vote-getters in the primary advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. (ANI)