U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, who announced her decision not to run for re-election in 2016 on Thursday, touched the lives of many politicians across the country.
But politicians in the Bay Area, the district she's represented since 1993, probably felt it the most. And many recounted personal, touching stories of the veteran Democrat.
Newly elected Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, for one, said it's women like Boxer who "made women like me know that it was possible to have leadership positions in politics."
And it wasn't only Boxer's attention to topics such as transportation and infrastructure, "which most people don’t find sexy," as something that garnered Schaaf's respect.
It was also the fact that Boxer a female role model. "She has championed issues that are really important for mothers, families and children."
The 74-year-old grandmother told the world about her decision Thursday morning in a video, where she is interviewed by her eldest grandson, Zach Rodham, and utters some outgoing words in rhyme. Coincidentally, one of Boxer's other grandsons attended preschool with Schaaf's daughter.
Schaaf was just one of many politicians to speak publicly about Boxer.
- California's other senator, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, said: "Senator Boxer has been such a champion for the people of California and, indeed, for our entire country.”
- Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi credited her longtime colleauge with always sharing ideas and credit. "She has always tried to help people succeed with their ideas. She has reached across the aisle," Pelosi said.
- Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom said: “With the courage of her convictions and the unflinching spirit of a true warrior-advocate, Senator Barbara Boxer has earned a seat in the pantheon of great California leaders.”
- U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell said: “Senator Boxer has been a champion for California her entire career. Growing up in California and now representing Alameda and Contra Costa counties, I have long admired Senator Boxer’s accomplishments and leadership. Thanks to Senator Boxer, our air and water are cleaner, our energy is greener, and our Bay Area economy has grown."
- Attorney General Kamala Harris: "Senator Boxer is a true progressive champion and a tireless advocate for California’s priorities. I wish her all the best."
And as Democratic fans came out to say kind words for Boxer and her lofty career, it was Schaaf who also shared some simpler stories.
One was when Schaaf ran for mayor, a position she was elected to two months ago.
"When Senator Boxer endorsed me in my race to be Oakland's mayor, she hand wrote her endorsement speech," Schaaf said. "And at the end of that speech she handed it to me in her own handwriting on simple yellow lined paper. And she said, 'Here, maybe one day this will be in the Smithsonian.' "
NBC's Torey Van Oot, Kelly Goff, Jon Sonnheim and Dan Pyrt contributed to this report.
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I will never retire from fighting for the issues that matter, but I will not be running for the Senate in 2016. — Sen. Barbara Boxer (@SenatorBoxer) January 8, 2015
Thank you to @SenatorBoxer for your tireless service to the people of #California & important issues like combating #climatechange. — Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) January 8, 2015
U.S. @SenatorBoxer has been a champion for California's working families & our environment. She may be retiring but her legacy will burn on. — Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) January 8, 2015
.@SenatorBoxer, you and I blazed many trails together. Thanks for being such a resilient collaborator and colleague. http://t.co/qlIA0Ux2ki — Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) January 8, 2015
.@SenatorBoxer, it's been a pleasure to serve with you both here in the House & across chambers. #TBT via @cspan... http://t.co/RcHp0XCB6I — Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) January 8, 2015
Want to thank @SenatorBoxer for her remarkable career of service. A true champion for California. There are big shoes to fill in 2016. — Kevin Johnson (@KJ_MayorJohnson) January 8, 2015
