Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn has opened an exploratory committee to run for Lieutenant Governor in 2010, according to the Secretary of State web site. Hahn was elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 2001 representing the communities of Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, San Pedro, Watts and Wilmington.

She joins Long Beach-area State Senator Alan Lowenthal who opened his committee earlier this year as reported here and in an exclusive interview here . Also in the race is central valley State Senator Dean Florez.

The Daily News reported back in August 2009 that Councilwoman Hahn might be seeking a statewide office:

Councilwoman Janice Hahn is taking a hard look these days at running for statewide office. Hahn, based in San Pedro but with one of the most recognized names in Los Angeles politics, is looking to run for lieutenant governor. So far, only two Democrats with any kind of prominence are running: state Sens. Alan Lowenthal of Long Beach and Dean Florez of Shafter – neither of whom have much statewide recognition If she enters the race, Hahn would be expected to be competitive financially and, if elected, would be the first woman to hold the job. The lieutenant governor’s post has been one of the most overlooked offices in the state, with little real power other than serving on the boards for the state Lands Commission and on boards for California’s colleges and universities. Part of the problem with those holding the job is often they are from a different party than the incumbent governor and have been excluded from playing any role in state policies.

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