Steve Garvey Broke Federal Law By Hiding Money, New Complaint Alleges

PALM DESERT, CA — A political action committee that advocates against big money in American politics has filed a complaint with the U.S. Justice Department alleging that Republican U.S. Senate candidate Steve Garvey of Palm Desert failed to file an accurate and complete personal financial disclosure report that Senate candidates are required by federal law.

In the July 22 six-page complaint, End Citizens United alleges that the former Dodgers first baseman is deliberately deceiving California voters by concealing his financial interests. Garvey is on the Nov. 5 general election ballot, facing off against Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff for California’s highly coveted U.S. Senate seat.

"Voters deserve full transparency about his financial dealings in order to identify any conflicts of interest and get a better picture of what he stands to gain in the U.S. Senate," said End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller. "Refusing to provide a complete and truthful personal financial disclosure report is not just a blatant violation of the law but a betrayal of public trust. We urge the Department of Justice to investigate Steve Garvey and hold him accountable."

The complaint lays out four areas in which Garvey allegedly violated federal law and Senate Ethics rules: 1) Failure to disclose any honoraria payments, even though he received payments for appearances in 2023; 2) Failure to report earned income from the online service Cameo; 3) Failure to disclose positions; and 4) Failure to report any assets from his spouse, Candace Garvey, or any bank accounts.

A press release from ECU alleges Garvey has "a history of shady financial practices and hiding sources of income. This includes dodging child support payments by placing his assets under his wife’s name, owing up to $750,000 in back taxes, accruing over 40 tax liens totaling $3.85 million, and a property tax scheme in which an organization run by a family member covers his property taxes."

According to a Southern California News Group article, Garvey’s campaign manager, Andy Gharakhani, dismissed the complaint as a “publicity stunt” that used “baseless accusations to weaponize the justice system."

Garvey has worked "diligently" to address "additions and adjustments" on his personal financial disclosure report, Gharakhani told the news outlet.

In the complaint signed by Muller, ECU urges the Justice Department to investigate Garvey immediately.

"Prompt action is necessary to ensure that Mr. Garvey complies with federal law and that the public is granted full disclosure of Mr. Garvey’s finances as a candidate for the United States Senate," the complaint states.