By Shayan Abbasi
Republican former baseball star Steve Garvey and Democratic Representative (Burbank) Adam Schiff are set to go head-to-head in the November elections for the U.S. Senate seat long occupied by the late Dianne Feinstein. Garvey’s advancement to the general election represents a rare opportunity for the Republican Party to make breakthroughs within a state that has been a Democratic stronghold for years.
With over 95% of the vote counted so far, Schiff leads the race with 2,296,331 ballots(31.63%), followed by Garvey with 2,286,557 (31.49%), Democrat Katie Porter(CA-47) with 1,113,844 (15.34%) and Democrat Barbara Lee (CA-12) with 712,455 (9.91%). California’s elections are decided under the jungle primary system, in which the two candidates with the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election in November.
Schiff’s support was mainly localized around the coastal regions and urban areas, carried by the San Francisco and Los Angeles counties, whereas Garvey’s support was more widespread, winning Orange, San Diego and San Bernardino counties.
Garvey, celebrated for his Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres baseball career, announced his candidacy for Senate on Oct. 10, 2023. Since then, he has emerged as the leading Republican contender. Garvey celebrated his primary victory with his supporters in Palm Desert, and despite the state’s strong Democratic leanings, he remains optimistic about his chances.
In his address, he vowed to run a campaign that transcends party lines, focusing on issues such as inflation, the homelessness crisis and rising crime rates in urban areas.
“They say in the general election that we’re going to strike out,” Garvey said. “Know this, it ain’t over til it’s over.”
On the other side of the aisle, Schiff brings a sense of political experience and tenured career to the race. Serving in California’s House Congressional delegation since 2001, his campaign thusly will aim to leverage his track record and connections within the Democratic establishment in California.
In a victory speech following the election, Schiff was interrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, who started chanting in favor of a ceasefire.
“So lucky to live in a democracy where all have the right to protest,” Schiff replied. “We are so lucky to live in that kind of democracy, and we want to make sure we keep that kind of democracy.”
The senate race overall marks a pivotal moment, with the possibility of a Republican winning a statewide office, an event that has become increasingly rare given the state’s party registration numbers (47% Democratic, 24% Republican). The outcome of this election will be historic nonetheless, as it will mark the first time in thirty years that California will not have a female senator representing it. The winner of this election will serve as the junior senator of the state alongside Senator Alex Padilla.
With both candidates preparing for the upcoming campaign season, each will focus on specific policy positions Californians feel passionate about. Garvey’s promise to appeal across party lines and focus on non-partisan concerns such as public safety and economic stability has the potential to resonate with many Californian voters.
Alternatively, Schiff is likely to emphasize his own personal expertise in governance and his subsequent commitment to upholding democratic values and institutions at a time in which some feel they are under threat.
