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By Henri Migala
Photo, top row: Democratic representatives Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee; bottom row: Republicans Steve Garvey, ex-baseball player, and attorney Eric Early
February 5, 2024 (San Diego) -- California’s U.S. Senate race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched and pivotal contests in the upcoming election cycle, capturing the nation's attention as a dynamic lineup of contenders from different backgrounds and political ideologies vie for the coveted seat.
With the death of long-serving Senator Dianne Feinstein, a seat that has been held by Democrats for decades is now up for grabs. Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to fill out the rest of Feinstein’s term ending in January 2025.The top-two primary winners will run in the November general election for the six-year term beginning on January 3, 2025. Also on the primary ballot is a special top-two primary for the remainder of Feinstein's current term,so be sure to vote in both.
Butler is not seeking election. But 22 others are on the March 5 primary ballot vying for the Senate seat, including five well-known names—three Democratic members of Congress and two prominent Republicans, an attorney/businessman and a former baseball player.
.East County Magazine takes a closer look at the top five major contenders vying for this influential position to represent the golden state in the U.S. Senate.
Rep. Adam Schiff (Democrat): Adam Schiff, presenting himself as a “defender of democracy,” is a well-known Democratic figure. He has served as the Representative for California's 28th Congressional district since 2001, earning a reputation as a tireless advocate for progressive values and a skilled legislator. He gained national recognition for his role as Chair of the House Intelligence Committee during the impeachment proceedings against former President Donald Trump. Schiff has consistently championed progressive causes throughout his career, advocating for healthcare reform, LGBTQ+ rights, climate change mitigation, and gun control. His campaign emphasizes these values and aims to build a more equitable and just society for all Californians.
https://www.adamschiff.com/about/
Rep. Katie Porter (Democrat): Katie Porter serves as the representative for California's 45th Congressional district and promotes herself as an “anti-corruption crusader.” Since her election in 2018, she has become known for her tireless advocacy on issues such as consumer protection, economic inequality, and affordable housing. Porter's campaign is rooted in progressive values, with a strong emphasis on healthcare reform, climate action, income inequality, and criminal justice reform. As a former protege of Senator Elizabeth Warren and a professor of law at the University of California, Irvine, Porter has a deep understanding of financial and consumer issues. Her focus on holding powerful corporations accountable and fighting for the rights of everyday Americans is a central theme of her campaign.
https://katieporter.com/about/
Rep. Barbara Lee (Democrat):
Barbara Lee has represented California's 13th Congressional district for over two decades as what she calls “a courageous progressive.” During her tenure in Congress, she has earned a reputation as a staunch advocate for social justice, racial equity, and ending the war on drugs. Her campaign is also grounded in her progressive values, with a strong focus on healthcare access, climate change mitigation, and economic inequality. Lee's dedication to racial equity and social justice is a central theme of her campaign. She has been at the forefront of legislative efforts to address systemic racism, police reform, and criminal justice reform, making her a leader in these critical areas.https://barbaraleeforca.com/
Eric Early (Republican): Eric Early is a Republican attorney and managing partner in a law firm. Hechampions himself for the “forgotten Americans,” previously ran for California Attorney General. Early’s campaign is rooted in conservative values, positioning him as a conservative alternative in the race, emphasizing issues such as law and order, lower taxes, and limited government intervention in people's lives. Early's background as a businessman informs his approach to economic policy. He advocates for pro-business policies that encourage job creation, reduce regulations, and promote economic prosperity.
Steve Garvey (Republican): Steve Garvey, running as a ‘common sense consensus builder,” is a former Major League Baseball player with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. He is running as a Republican with a focus on issues like fiscal responsibility and small government. His background in sports and business provides a unique perspective on politics, and he hopes to appeal to a broad cross-section of voters. Garvey's campaign emphasizes his status as a political outsider. He positions himself as a candidate who can bring a fresh perspective to California politics and offer a unique approach to problem-solving. A central theme of Garvey's campaign is fiscal responsibility. He advocates for lower taxes, reduced government spending, and a balanced budget, aiming to address California's financial challenges through prudent financial management. Garvey had a notable scandal during his baseball career, when he admitted to fathering two children outside of his marriage.
The California Senate race promises to be a high-stakes battle with significant national implications. As the candidates campaign across the state, they will need to address a wide range of pressing issues, including some on which not all of the candidates have taken public positions. Major issues include immigration, women’s reproductive freedoms/abortion limits, gun rights/gun control, climate change, economic development and labor, homelessness and housing, healthcare and Social Security, social justice issues, and foreign policy including funding for Ukraine and Israel.
The outcome of this race will not only determine California's representation in the Senate but could also influence the balance of power in Washington, D.C., where Democrats maintain a razor-thin majority. East County Magazine will follow this important race and provide regular updates.
Four of these candidates (Schiff, Porter,Lee, and Garvey, recently participated in a debate. You can read highlights at https://calmatters.org/politics/2024/01/us-senate-debate-california/.
For more information about the California US Senate race and the candidates, and other local and state elections, refer to www.Ballotpedia.org.
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