California Senate leader Kevin de Leon said to be leaning toward challenging Sen. Dianne Feinstein

SACRAMENTO, Calif._California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon is strongly considering challenging Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a fellow Democrat, in her 2018 re-election bid, according to sources close to De Leon.

One veteran California politician, who asked for anonymity to freely discuss the matter, said De Leon considered a campaign launch earlier this week. But the decision was delayed by Feinstein's Monday announcement that she would run for re-election, which had been expected later in the year, as well as the wildfires ravaging the state.

CNN reported