Democratic state Sen. Ted Lieu announced Friday that he will enter the race to replace retiring Rep. Henry A. Waxman in California’s 33rd District.  

Lieu is now the second Democrat to announce a bid since Waxman announced his retirement on Thursday, and many more are considering jumping in. Former Los Angeles Controller Wendy Greuel, who lost a mayoral bid last year, announced her campaign Thursday night.  

“I have made the hard choices that helped turn California’s budget deficit into a budget surplus; fought to protect our environment; co-authored legislation to divest California’s pension funds from Iran’s energy and nuclear industries; and authored landmark civil rights legislation,” Lieu, a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve, said in a statement.  

Lieu’s announcement noted that he currently represents about 80 percent of 33rd District constituents in Sacramento. But he could face a wide field, as a number of other Democrats are mulling bids in this heavily Democratic district. It’s located in the wealthy pockets of Los Angeles, and includes Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu and the beach towns in south L.A.  

Candidates have until March 7 to file the necessary paperwork to run. The top-two primary will take place June 3.  

The race is rated a Safe Democratic contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.