Sandra Fluke, whose advocacy for mandatory insurance coverage of contraception inspired Rush Limbaugh to insinuate she was a "slut," is running for the California state Senate.

Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to #runsandrarun! Ive announced my candidacy for #CA State Senate http://t.co/B71Lvj1Mkg — Sandra Fluke (@SandraFluke) February 5, 2014

Fluke had been rumored to be pursuing the U.S. congressional seat of retiring Democrat Henry Waxman.

Fluke announced the change of plans in a statement Tuesday night.

Via the Los Angeles Times:

"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 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 will run for a seat representing the 26th District, which represents parts of Hollywood, Los Angeles and Santa Monica, CNN reported.

Fluke became a national figure in 2012 after conservative talk radio celebrity Limbaugh commented on testimony in which she advocated for contraception coverage in health care reform.

During his radio show, Limbaugh said, "What does that make her? It makes her a slut, right? It makes her a prostitute.” Limbaugh continued, “She wants to be paid to have sex. She’s having so much sex she can’t afford the contraception.”

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The comments sparked a firestorm. Limbaugh later apologized, saying, "My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices."

President Obama later called Fluke to give his encouragement and thanks.

Below, 2012 footage of Fluke responding to Limbaugh's initial comments.

Follow Mike Krumboltz on Twitter (@mikekrumboltz).