Twenty-nine candidates are running in the top-two primary for U.S. Senate in California on March 5, 2024. The primary will determine which two candidates will run in the state’s general election on Nov. 5, 2024.
Incumbent Laphonza Butler (D) announced she would not run for re-election on Oct. 19, 2023. Governor Gavin Newsom (D) appointed Butler to replace Dianne Feinstein (D), who died on Sept. 29, 2023. Butler was sworn in on Oct. 3 of that year. This will be the first open race for California’s Class I U.S. Senate seat since 1992.
The following candidates have received the most media attention: Barbara Lee (D), Katie Porter (D), Adam Schiff (D), and Steve Garvey (R). Lee, Porter, and Schiff are members of California’s congressional delegation. Garvey is a former professional baseball player. The Democratic candidates are campaigning on democracy reform, climate change, the economy, and healthcare. Garvey’s priorities are quality-of-life issues, public safety, and education.
