

Sandra Fluke speaking at the Democratic National Convention. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

After days of speculation, women's rights activist Sandra Fluke has chosen not to run for Congress after all. Instead, she will be running for state Senate.

Fluke announced her intention to run for statewide office early this morning, according to the Los Angeles Times. The announcement comes after Fluke "strongly considered" whether or not she will make a go for Rep. Henry Waxman's seat. Waxman, who has been an untouchable Democratic force for over 40 years, is planning to retire at the end of the congressional year.

"After careful consideration, I am proud to announce my candidacy for the 26th District of the California State Senate," Fluke said in a statement. "I believe that the families and communities of this district - from West Hollywood to West LA and from Santa Monica to Torrance and beyond - deserve to have a fresh perspective from a new generation of progressive leadership in Sacramento, and I am eager to get to work fighting for the causes that matter most to our future as a community, state and nation."

Fluke also announced her bid on Twitter:

Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to #runsandrarun! I've announced my candidacy for #CA State Senate http://t.co/B71Lvj1Mkg — Sandra Fluke (@SandraFluke) February 5, 2014

Fluke plans to run for the state Senate district previously held by Ted Lieu, who announced his bid to take over Waxman's seat a few days ago. Lieu and former L.A. City Controller and mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel are currently the only two Democrats running for Waxman's seat in a race that is expected to blow wide open with candidates.

Fluke, a Georgetown Law School grad, became nationally known for testifying in front of Congress in favor of no-cost birth control. Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh famously called her a "slut" and a "prostitute" on his show. After graduating, Fluke moved to Los Angeles and passed the bar exam, the Times reports.

Since formally announcing her bid this morning, Fluke has already garnered some high-profile endorsements:

Very proud to announce @Rep_JaniceHahn and @SenHannahBeth have endorsed my run for CA State Senate http://t.co/7ECcKLJ386 — Sandra Fluke (@SandraFluke) February 5, 2014

The district is solidly Democratic. The primary election will take place on June 3, the winner of which will move on to the general election on Nov. 4

Related:

Sandra Fluke 'Strongly Considering' Running For Open Congressional Seat