A crowded primary race for a vacant U.S. Senate seat in California is showcasing the influence of money in the state's costly political landscape. The contest also serves as a test for Republicans, as they aim to unite behind a single candidate with hopes of securing the seat. With the deadline for counties to mail out ballots approaching, the primary election is set to commence.
Leading the Democratic contenders is U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, who gained national prominence as the lead prosecutor in former President Donald Trump's first impeachment trial. Schiff has not only secured a dominant advantage in fundraising but consistently ranks at the top of polls. However, a significant proportion of voters remain undecided heading into the March 5 election.
California's primary ballot includes both Democrats and Republicans, with the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, advancing to the general election. Given his significant financial resources, Schiff appears to be in a strong position to secure one of the two slots for the November election. Also vying for those spots are Democratic House members Barbara Lee and Katie Porter, as well as former Los Angeles Dodgers star Steve Garvey, who is making his entrance into politics after retiring from baseball 37 years ago.
Although more than two dozen names will appear on the Senate ballot, many of them are relatively unknown politically. However, it is widely expected that the seat will remain in Democratic hands, as Republicans have not won a U.S. Senate election in California since 1988.
As the primary race intensifies, Porter's campaign has been targeting Garvey, highlighting his fame and suggesting that it could potentially jeopardize Porter's seat in Congress. Meanwhile, Schiff has been running statewide ads branding Garvey as 'too conservative for California,' potentially aiming to garner support from conservatives and dampen Porter's chances, as Garvey is considered a longshot for the general election.
Responding to Schiff's tactics, Porter alleged that Schiff is attempting to manipulate the system to secure an opponent he believes stands the best chance of defeating in November.
The vacant Senate seat was previously held by the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a trailblazer who broke gender barriers and fervently advocated for abortion rights and gun control. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler, a long-time Democratic organizer, to fulfill Feinstein's term. However, Butler has chosen not to seek election to the seat.
The race unfolds in the backdrop of California's declining population and growing discontent among its residents. Polling indicates that many Californians are dissatisfied with the state's direction, rampant inflation, and the unchecked homeless crisis in cities like Los Angeles. The outcome of the presidential race could impact voter turnout in the Senate race, with President Joe Biden's popularity experiencing a decline and former President Donald Trump expected to secure the Republican nomination.
Garvey's entry into the race has injected some celebrity appeal. However, his challenge lies in consolidating the Republican base as he competes for votes with attorney Eric Early, who has previously run unsuccessfully for state attorney general and Congress. Democrats have sought to exploit GOP tensions and discourage independents from supporting Garvey by highlighting his indecisiveness regarding the White House contest, given his refusal to disclose whether he will vote for Trump this year, despite supporting him in 2016 and 2020.
Garvey is one of the few Republicans with strong name recognition to run for statewide office in recent years. In previous elections, Republican Senate candidates performed poorly, resulting in two Democrats appearing on the November ballot. In 2022, Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla won easily against relatively unknown Republican Mark Meuser.
While Garvey's baseball career makes him familiar to older generations of baseball fans, Democrats describe him as a political novice ill-prepared for the Senate during times of global turmoil. Additionally, attacks on his character, stemming from sex scandals in the 1980s that tarnished his reputation as 'Mr. Clean,' have been used as ammunition against him. Garvey has acknowledged his past mistakes and stated that he has learned from them, emphasizing personal growth on his life journey.
Although the leading Democrats largely align on policy issues, the race has brought attention to divisions within the party's left wing, particularly concerning the Israel-Hamas war and congressional earmark funds. Porter positions herself as a suburban soccer mom who is vigilant against corporate excess in Congress, while Schiff, viewed as the establishment favorite, boasts the support of prominent figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Lee draws attention to her remarkable life story, having fought to become her high school's first Black cheerleader and experienced homelessness after escaping an abusive marriage. She was also the sole member of Congress to vote against authorizing military force following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Schiff, a former federal prosecutor, has anchored his campaign around his role as Trump's chief antagonist in Congress. He has emphasized his commitment to continuing as a 'fighter' for democracy after serving as an impeachment manager during the first impeachment trial. Schiff's remarks during the investigations into Trump's ties to Russia led to his censure by the Republican-led House in June, further raising his profile as he made frequent appearances on television and carried out online fundraising efforts.
As the primary election approaches, all eyes are on the outcome and the potential implications for the highly coveted Senate seat. With a diverse range of candidates and competing interests, the race for Feinstein's seat in California highlights the dynamic and complex nature of the state's political landscape.
