Rep. Diane Watson to retire

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Rep. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles) is ready to announce her retirement, according to Washington Democratic sources, and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) is expected to announce her bid to replace the congresswoman.

Watson’s pending retirement, which has been rumored for months, was reported in The Hill newspaper Tuesday

[Updated at 12:23 p.m.: Watson is expected to make a formal announcement Thursday, according to numerous Democratic sources.

Bass declined comment on her own political future, opting to wait until Watson’s official announcement. When asked about a possible congressional run Wednesday, Bass would only say, ‘Diane Watson has been a great leader for Los Angeles.’]

Bass, a close ally of Watson’s, has said privately that she is interested in running for Congress should Watson choose to retire, but has been reluctant to comment publicly to avoid being seen as pressuring Watson to step down.

-- Anthony York in Sacramento