California State Sen. Leland Yee (D) is best known to gamers as the architect of his state's contested 2005 video game law.

But Yee may be eyeing a run for Congress later this year.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Yee is among likely candidates for the seat currently held by Rep. Tom Lantos (D). The 80-year-old Lantos recently announced he would not seek reelection due to health concerns. In a statement, Yee said:

I am deeply saddened by the news that Congressman Lantos has been diagnosed with cancer and will be unable to seek another term in Congress... My thoughts and prayers are with Tom and his family during this difficult time. 

In the coming days, we will take a hard look at the challenges this district faces in filling the shoes of Congressman Lantos, but today is not the day to be thinking about future political office.

Sure sounds like someone who's running. If he makes it to Congress, will Yee propose federal game legislation? It's impossible to say at this point, but it would seem a likely move for the child psychologist. Video game violence has been an important issue to him for a number of years.

Meanwhile, a U.S. appeals court is considering the California game law, which was set aside by a federal judge on constitutional grounds earlier this year.

UPDATE: We note that Yee's likely opponent, Jackie Speier (D) also voted in favor of California's video game law when she was a member of the California State Senate.