Ex-Dodger Faces A Progressive Favorite In CA Senate Race: What To Know

CALIFORNIA — Democratic Rep. Adam B. Schiff has maintained a sizable lead over his Republican opponent Steve Garvey with a margin that hasn't much budged since the March primary.

The progressive congressman Schiff — known for his role in Donald Trump's impeachment trial — holds a 28 point-lead (63% to 35%) over Garvey, according to the latest poll from the Public Policy Institute of California.

Garvey, an ex-baseball star who once played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, didn't seem to flinch at the results of the primary.

"They say in the general election that we're going to strike out," first-time candidate Garvey said. "Know this: It ain't over 'til it's over."

Both candidates are vying for the seat once occupied by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. But blue California hasn't elected a Republican into its senate since 1988. The Golden States places all candidates on the same primary ballot, regardless of party. The two who get the most votes advance to the general election.

Garvey, a resident of Palm Desert who calls himself a "conservative moderate", was able to scrap for one of the two slots on the November ballot to compete against Schiff — elbowing out Democratic House Reps. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee.

While Garvey touted his platform as one that would appeal to both Democrats and Republicans, his status as a former All-Star alone has the potential to reach across party lines. Garvey has vowed to address inflation, a homelessness crisis and rising crime rates in California.

While Schiff has held a secure standing in a state where Democrats hold a strong advantage in voter registration, he has also maintained a status as a progressive favorite on topics like access to safe abortion care. He has also held a financial advantage over Garvey and one that ultimately beat out Democratic rivals Porter and Lee.

But Schiff will face his own issues in November.

Leading up to the primary, Schiff spent millions of dollars advertising Garvey as his true opponent, which wound up bolstering the GOP candidate's visibility among Republican voters.

Schiff's speech at his March victory party was also drowned out by those calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, a topic that could pose a challenge among progressive voters. The congressman, who lives in Burbank, has been outspoken about issues such as climate change, reproductive rights, AI-generated advertising, programs for homelessness, guaranteed income programs and more. On the topic of Israel, he says his position is "the same as the administration."

The general election kicks off on Nov. 5, but early voting will begin in California has early as Oct. 7.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.