Hello, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the political circus that is California, where the only thing more predictable than a Danny DeVito movie is incumbent victories! We’ve just witnessed Democratic Rep. Adam B. Schiff, who has said “I will always be there for you” more times than a needy ex, claim victory—much to the chagrin of former Dodgers star Steve Garvey. I mean, what a matchup! It’s like watching a school board meeting get ambushed by a local sports celebrity; you just can’t look away!
Now, let’s not kid ourselves here. We know California is a Democratic state. Schiff beat Garvey like a rented mule—if you had any doubts about where California voters stood, just take a look at the numbers. With Schiff’s support being almost as overwhelming as a toddler’s love for sugar, it was practically a done deal the moment the ballots dropped. But there he was, ready to “repay the trust” placed in him! Trust? I hope he doesn’t think that comes with a gift receipt!
He even had the audacity—or confidence, if you will—to invoke the legacy of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, likening himself to a “giant.” My goodness, Adam! You’ve just stepped into some pretty big shoes! Are we sure they even fit? I mean, even Cinderella had a better story going for her. And while we’re on the subject, can we just give Garvey a round of applause for attempting to run in a state that hasn’t seen a Republican in statewide office in nearly two decades? That’s like trying to sell ice to Eskimos!
The general election turned out to be as thrilling as a three-hour documentary on paint drying—Schiff had this locked down faster than someone can say “four more years!” The ads against Garvey? Oh, please! “Too conservative for California” is such a catchy phrase I might get it tattooed on my arm! I can picture it now—a full-back tattoo with a giant baseball next to it, symbolizing the only thing he threw at the pitch—a slow one over the plate! Why not take a swing while you’re at it, right?
Garvey’s campaign strategy seemed to rely on nostalgia and the hope that voters would remember the glory days of Dodgers vs. Giants, rather than focusing on actual policies. I mean, come on, it’s not like people are going to the ballot box humming “Take Me Out to the Ball Game!” But there he was, in his 70s, shaking hands with supporters while Sinatra crooned “My Way”—how poetic! If you can’t win on policies, then I suppose “My Way” is the perfect anthem for your concession speech.
But seriously, folks, this election was battled over by primary contenders who made about as much noise as a librarian on a silent retreat. Schiff’s fellow Democrats—Rep. Katie Porter and Rep. Barbara Lee—put up a fight, but let’s be honest; Schiff entered the ring with the equivalent of a multipurpose tool, while the others showed up with potato peelers. “It’s a knife fight!” they must have thought, but oops! Wrong tool for the job!
Now, as we talk about Garvey, it’s important to note the cardboard cutouts of Trump at his event. I mean, come on; who doesn’t want to campaign alongside cardboard? I picture them saying, “There’s no criticism like a silent one!” But that little gimmick couldn’t save him from the monumental task of running against the elephant in the room—Schiff’s mastery of the political mic. As he tied Garvey to Trump’s shadow—and I mean, what’s more terrifying than that?—he truly made voters nervous about crossing over to the “dark side.”
So, here we are! Schiff looking forward to the Senate seat with aspirations bigger than Hollywood dreams, and Garvey drifting back to the field, perhaps considering a return to baseball, where strikes are just part of the job! One’s a champion of democracy, the other’s just trying not to get struck out before he even steps up to the plate!
In the end, California politics remains as transformative as the weather in Los Angeles—sunny one minute, and a torrential downpour of drama the next. I can only imagine that for Schiff, these next six years promise plenty of lively debates, media soundbites about Trump, and perhaps a reality show where he’s the protagonist in the drama of Capitol Hill. Who needs Hollywood? The Senate is back in business!
So grab your popcorn, folks; we’re in for an entertaining show over the next few years! Who knows? If Schiff occasionally looks for advice from “Mr. Clean,” it may bring back some of that nostalgic baseball energy. Or at least, provide a few laughs while we watch the political game unfold—one sitcom-worthy scenario at a time!
Democratic Rep. Adam B. Schiff of Burbank, famous for his robust opposition to former President Trump, decisively triumphed over Republican Steve Garvey, a former star first baseman for the Dodgers, in the race for California’s vacated U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday night, marking a significant political victory.
The Associated Press swiftly confirmed Schiff, 64, as the winner soon after the polls closed, reinforcing the extent of his appeal in a state where Democratic voters drastically outnumber their Republican counterparts, nearly by a ratio of 2 to 1.
“I will dedicate every day to repaying the trust you have bestowed upon me by serving this Golden State with all my heart and soul,” Schiff proclaimed before an enthusiastic crowd of supporters at a California Democratic Party gathering in downtown Los Angeles.
As results emerged from the East Coast and Midwest indicating that Republicans were positioned to reclaim control of the U.S. Senate, Schiff framed himself as a steadfast advocate for the values that resonate with Californians.
“I am resolute in tackling the significant battles to defend our liberties and uphold our democracy,” Schiff asserted. “California will remain at the forefront of progress, the bastion of democracy, the vanguard of innovation, and the guardian of our rights and freedoms.”
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, whom he will now succeed, Schiff characterized her as a “giant of the U.S. Senate.” He extended his best wishes to Garvey, acknowledging the challenges inherent in running for political office.
After a divisive and costly primary campaign among Democrats, the general election for the Senate seat failed to generate the same excitement, leading to a relatively subdued contest.
Schiff and his supporters deployed over $35 million in ads during the primary, labeling Garvey as “too conservative for California,” a strategy that effectively consolidated Republican backing for Garvey and allowed him to surpass his fierce rival, Rep. Katie Porter of Orange County, who finished in a distant third place.
Garvey, 75, faced difficulties gaining visibility with voters in a state where a Republican hasn’t won a statewide office in almost two decades.
With a strong lead in opinion polls, Schiff shifted his focus toward bolstering Democratic candidates in critical states, actively fundraising for California House candidates, and campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris and her colleagues on the national stage.
“If this were the 2000 Senate race, the competitive landscape of California politics and Garvey’s prominence in sports could have made him a formidable candidate,” remarked Dan Schnur, a political communications professor at USC, UC Berkeley, and Pepperdine. “However, due to the state’s evolving demographics and dynamics, his path became nearly insurmountable.”
Garvey addressed over 400 supporters gathered in Rancho Mirage on election night, mingling with the crowd before stepping onto the stage as Frank Sinatra’s classic “My Way” played in the background.
The event, organized by the East Valley Republican Women Patriots, was adorned with cardboard cutouts of Trump, including a memorable portrayal featuring him as the Terminator. Attendees enjoyed a dinner of grilled chicken breast with champagne Dijon sauce, paired with cold roasted asparagus.
Garvey expressed determination, stating, “We took a stance on what impacted Californians. I will continue to fight with this new platform we have created.”
He described the evening as bittersweet, believing that Trump would be re-elected and “would have the support of a strong Senate.” Garvey expressed a desire to have played a part in that future Senate structure.
A coveted Senate seat in California seldom becomes vacant, considering that Feinstein served in the Senate for over three decades and Senator Barbara Boxer for nearly 25 years.
This Senate position can also serve as a stepping stone for higher office, a fact evidenced by the careers of Harris, President Nixon, and former Governor Pete Wilson.
The California ballot presented two critical questions involving the Senate. One question instructed voters to select either Schiff or Garvey to complete Feinstein’s term, which concludes in early January. The other query required voters to choose one of the candidates for a subsequent six-year Senate term.
Early Tuesday results showed Schiff ahead in both races. However, pending the certification of California’s election results, he would not be able to take the oath of office, as explained by a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.).
California will see two male senators for the first time in over three decades, following Senator Alex Padilla’s election in 2022 after being appointed the previous year when Kamala Harris ascended to the vice presidency.
Garvey and Schiff entered the Senate race with substantial name recognition, cultivated in strikingly different realms: Garvey as a beloved baseball figure from Chavez Ravine, and Schiff as a prominent figure on Capitol Hill.
During his 18 seasons in Major League Baseball, Garvey cultivated a reputation as “Mr. Clean,” earning acclaim for his powerful home runs and wholesome image.
Since considering a Senate run shortly after his retirement in 1988, Garvey encountered significant personal challenges, including financial difficulties and public scrutiny stemming from scandals related to his personal life. It wasn’t until last year that he committed to running, motivated by frustration over political dysfunction in Washington.
Garvey heavily relied on nostalgia to appeal to older California voters, selling autographed baseballs for $100 through his campaign website and making appearances at fundraising events that prominently featured images of him playing baseball.
As an assistant U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, Schiff achieved notoriety for successfully convicting Richard Miller, a former FBI agent accused of espionage. Schiff began his political journey in the California Legislature as a pro-law enforcement Democrat before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002. He gained national recognition 15 years later as a member of the House Intelligence Committee, investigating alleged Russian connections to the Trump campaign during the 2016 presidential election.
Functional as the lead prosecutor during Trump’s first House impeachment trial, Schiff, who Trump disparagingly labeled as a “little pencil neck,” leveraged the former president’s animosity to elevate his status nationally. His role in the impeachment proceedings solidified his prominence among fellow Democrats and amplified the platform for his Senate campaign.
Throughout the campaign, both candidates frequently referenced Trump in their arguments. Schiff condemned Garvey for supporting Trump three times, including during this year’s primaries, attempting to tether Garvey to Trump’s unpopularity and controversial policy proposals, including aggressive deportations of undocumented individuals living in the country.
Schiff asserted that California voters have no interest in electing “a MAGA mini-me in a baseball uniform.” In response, Garvey accused Schiff of dishonesty, asserting that Schiff misled Americans about evidence linking the Trump campaign to Russia in 2016 and suggesting that Schiff was motivated by a personal vendetta against Trump to enhance his career.
“How can one focus on a single individual daily when there are millions of Californians to attend to?” Garvey challenged during their singular debate last month. “I find that notion inconceivable.”
Garvey consistently asserted that he voted for “the best man for the job,” despite opting not to seek Trump’s endorsement, a decision Trump remarked was a “big mistake.”
The election heated up during the highly contentious primary, where California Democrats were torn between Schiff, Porter, and Rep. Barbara Lee of Oakland—each of whom had substantial popularity.
Schiff emphasized his extensive experience, particularly his prominent role in managing Trump’s first impeachment and his participation in the Jan. 6 House committee that probed the Capitol insurrection. In contrast, Lee relied on her longstanding progressive and anti-war views, while Porter adopted a populist stance, advocating for confronting corporate influence in Washington.
Garvey portrayed himself as a counter to what he described as California’s failed liberal leadership.
Times staff writers Angie Orellana Hernandez and Alex Wigglesworth contributed to this report.
Garvey vs Schiff polls
Ng during his presidential campaigns, while Garvey attempted to distance himself from the former president, asserting his focus on California issues. Despite Garvey’s efforts, Schiff’s connection to the Democratic base and his prominence in national politics ultimately secured him the victory.
In his victory speech, Schiff emphasized his commitment to the values of California, promising to be a strong advocate for democracy and civil rights. The enthusiastic support from his camp reflected the desire for leadership that aligns with progressive values, especially in the wake of Feinstein’s long tenure.
The results of this election signal a continued trend in California politics, where Democratic candidates have consistently outperformed their Republican counterparts. Garvey’s campaign, while engaging nostalgic appeal and local sports connections, could not overcome the broader demographic changes and the overarching political climate favoring the Democrats.
As Schiff prepares to take office, anticipation grows over how he will utilize his platform to address pressing issues facing the state, ranging from climate change and healthcare to economic inequality. The political landscape is set for dynamic debates and significant policy discussions, as California continues to be a bellwether for progressive agendas on a national level.
With Schiff’s successful campaign, the expectation is that he will leverage his experience and national profile, navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with a high-profile Senate position. Meanwhile, Garvey’s foray into politics will likely serve as an example of the challenges that come with shifting political currents and the importance of aligning with the electorate’s sentiments.
As the new Senate session approaches, all eyes will be on California’s dual representation, marking a significant chapter in the state’s political narrative, while providing a platform for policy-making that aims to resonate with the diverse and evolving population of California. The stage is set for an engaging political drama in the Senate, promising to deliver a mix of theatrical moments and serious legislative battles in the years to come.
