A recent Morning Consult/Politico poll indicates a potential upset in California’s Senate race, as Republican candidate Steve Garvey secures 19% support among likely primary voters, coming in second behind Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, who leads with 28%. This places Garvey ahead of Democratic contenders Katie Porter and Barbara Lee, with 17% and 14% support, respectively.
The March 5 primary will determine the top two candidates advancing to the November general election. If Garvey secures second place, it could eliminate Porter and Lee from challenging Schiff in the general election, potentially securing the Senate seat for the Democratic candidate.
The Cook Political Report categorizes the seat as “Solid D,” considering California’s Democratic leanings. With President Joe Biden’s strong performance in the state in 2020, Schiff is seen as the likely winner in the general election if he secures the Democratic nomination.
Schiff, Porter, and Lee have been actively campaigning for the seat, while Garvey entered the race in October. Most polls show Schiff leading by several points, according to RealClearPolitics.
While fundraising totals for Garvey are yet to be reported, Democrats Porter and Schiff have raised $22.1 million and $21.5 million, respectively. Lee has brought in $3.4 million. Garvey aims to run a “common-sense” campaign in the predominantly blue state, distinguishing himself from the left-leaning stance of the Democratic contenders.
The candidates are vying for the seat previously held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. The current occupant, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s appointee Laphonza Butler, has opted not to run for a full term in 2024. If Butler decides to run, she could pose a significant challenge to Schiff, leveraging her extensive political network, fundraising capabilities, and potential incumbency advantage.
As of now, the campaigns for Garvey, Schiff, Porter, and Lee have not provided immediate responses to inquiries from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
