On Wednesday morning, former professional baseball player Steve Garvey edged ahead of Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff in the California U.S. Senate primary race. According to reports as of March 15, Garvey leads by a razor-thin margin of just over 4,800 votes, where more than 5 million votes have been counted.
The 10-time MLB All-Star commented on the current tally, which has counted about 85% of the expected returns. Garvey noted how “deeply honored” he was that so many Californians have supported him at the ballot box. “As California’s votes are counted, it’s clear that our message of unity, common sense, and compassion resonates across the state. I am deeply honored by the trust and support shown in these preliminary results,” Garvey stated.
The former professional athlete is up against formidable opponents, such as Schiff, in the California Senate primary, where millions have been spent against him in the Golden State’s most expensive race for the upper chamber of Congress. Given the success of his campaign, Garvey illustrated excitement toward tackling the challenges ahead of him. “I’m energized by our campaign’s momentum and ready for the challenge ahead,” he said. “I look forward to a spirited campaign on the critical issues facing us.”
Rep. Schiff, a prominent Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, is set to go head-to-head against Garvey in November in a race to determine who will take the seat of the deceased Sen. Diane Feinstein. California conducts its primary race by putting all candidates on the same ballot regardless of party, where the two with the most votes will advance to a general election.
Garvey’s platform is a conservative departure from the policy stances of many progressive California Democrats such as Schiff. The former MLB player turned politician has campaigned to address some of California’s most pressing issues, such as crime and homelessness.
“I will continue to listen, learn, and lead with compassion and work to build consensus on the real issues that matter to our communities. Thank you to everyone who believes in the California comeback, together, we will make that vision a reality,” Garvey stated.
The American Tribune reported on comments from a California primary debate earlier this year, where Republican Garvey sounded off on Rep. Schiff, asserting that he was a liar for propagating alleged theories that Donald Trump colluded with Russia.
“I think you’ve been censured for lying. And this is exactly what I’m talking about: career politicians who are trying to determine who we are by race or by color or by gender. They never listen. They have pre-arranged words to say,” Garvey slammed Schiff.
Steve Garvey’s campaign website explains the aspiring Republican senator’s vision for a better California. “Steve’s campaign is focused on quality-of-life issues, public safety, and education. As your U.S. Senator, Steve will serve with commonsense, compassion, and will work to build consensus to benefit all of the people of California,” his website said. “Steve has been fortunate to wear many hats in his life – from professional athlete to businessman to philanthropist. But the one thing that has remained consistent is his love for this great state and his desire to make a difference.”
Featured image credit: Steve Garvey for U.S. Senate
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