Gloria Romero will not seek congressional seat

State Sen. Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles) has decided not to seek to represent East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley in Congress, according to a statement released Thursday.

Romero said she would instead run for state superintendent of public instruction.

"My passion is education," she explained.

Romero was among the first politicians to declare her interest in replacing Rep. Hilda Solis (D-El Monte) after President-elect Barack Obama chose Solis to head the Labor Department.

Judy Chu, chairwoman of the state Board of Equalization, announced her candidacy Dec. 22.

Romero said she is endorsing state Sen. Gilbert Cedillo (D-Los Angeles), who announced his candidacy Thursday.

Romero and Chu ran against each other 10 years ago, facing off in a primary for the Assembly. Romero won. In 2001, Romero won a seat in the state Senate, replacing Solis, who had moved up to Congress, and Chu was elected to Romero's vacant Assembly seat.

--Evelyn Larrubia

Photo: State Sen. Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles) Credit: Diandra Jay / Long Beach Press-Telegram