Schiff, Garvey advance in California Senate race

Rep. Adam Schiff (D) and Republican candidate Steve Garvey will advance to the general election in California’s competitive Senate race, according to a projection from Decision Desk HQ. 

Schiff had been leading the competitive nonpartisan primary field in polling, while Garvey and Democratic Rep. Katie Porter jostled for second place, followed by Rep. Barbara Lee (D). 

In California’s nonpartisan system, the top two vote-getters move on to the general election in November, regardless of party affiliation.

Garvey’s advancement from the primary will likely serve as a boost to the Democrat that moves forward with him in the blue stronghold. The baseball great openly voted twice for former President Trump, a fact Schiff’s campaign worked to elevate, likely in hopes of scoring an easier Republican-Democrat faceoff in the general, instead of a battle between two Democrats in the top two. 

The candidates are vying for the seat vacated by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), which is now being filled temporarily by appointee Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.). Butler opted not to join the crowded primary field to try to hold onto the seat for a full term. 

The four front-runners are also trying for a partial term in the Senate, to briefly take over from Butler before the next term starts in January 2025.