California Democrat Senate Candidates Criticize Republican Opponent in First Debate of Primary Season

In a heated debate that set the tone for the upcoming primary season in California, three Democratic candidates for the United States Senate engaged in a spirited exchange of words with the lone Republican candidate, Steve Garvey, during the state’s first debate on February 22, 2024.

Rep. Katie Porter Slams Steve Garvey

Representative Katie Porter, known for her whiteboard illustrations and sharp questioning during congressional hearings, took aim at Garvey, a former Major League Baseball player, for his perceived evasiveness when it came to his support for former President Donald Trump. Porter, a rising star in the Democratic Party, used a baseball analogy to drive home her point.

“Once a Dodger, always a Dodger,” Porter remarked, referring to Garvey’s time playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. “Mr. Garvey seems to be dodging questions about his support for Donald Trump just like he used to dodge fastballs. Californians deserve a senator who will stand up for them, not someone who will play both sides of the fence.”

Democrats Question Garvey’s Political Stance

Representatives Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee joined Porter in their criticism of Garvey’s stance on various issues. Schiff, a vocal critic of Trump, accused Garvey of being a “Trump acolyte” and questioned his commitment to progressive values.

“Mr. Garvey has repeatedly praised Donald Trump and embraced his divisive rhetoric,” Schiff said. “He is out of touch with the values of California and would be a dangerous choice for the United States Senate.”

Lee, a longtime civil rights advocate, accused Garvey of engaging in identity politics and pandering to certain voter groups.

“Mr. Garvey has tried to divide Californians by playing identity politics,” Lee said. “He is trying to pit one group of people against another for his own political gain. We need a senator who will unite us, not divide us.”

Garvey Accuses Democrats of “Identity Politics”

Garvey, a political newcomer, countered the attacks by accusing his opponents of playing identity politics themselves. He compared their behavior to the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal in Major League Baseball.

“My opponents are trying to cheat their way to victory just like the Houston Astros cheated their way to a World Series title,” Garvey said. “They are trying to use identity politics to divide Californians and gain an unfair advantage in the race.”

Schiff Maintains Polling Lead

According to the latest polls, Representative Schiff is currently leading in the race for the Senate seat, with Garvey, Porter, and Lee vying for the second spot. Only the top two candidates will advance to the general election in November.

Schiff’s lead is attributed to his high name recognition, his strong fundraising ability, and his perceived electability. However, Garvey, Porter, and Lee are all formidable candidates in their own right and could pose a challenge to Schiff in the coming months.

Porter and Lee Attack Schiff’s Corporate Ties

Porter and Lee sought to highlight their progressive credentials by attacking Schiff for his perceived ties to Washington and corporate interests. They accused him of accepting campaign contributions from oil companies and questioned his commitment to environmental issues.

“Mr. Schiff has taken hundreds of thousands of dollars from oil companies,” Porter said. “How can we trust him to fight for the environment when he is beholden to these special interests?”

“Mr. Schiff is too close to corporate power,” Lee added. “He is not the champion of working people that he claims to be.”

Schiff Defends His Record

Schiff defended himself against Porter’s attack by pointing out that he had previously provided financial support to her campaign. He also emphasized his record of taking action on climate change, including prosecuting oil companies and working on bipartisan legislation to expand open space.

“I have a long record of fighting for the environment,” Schiff said. “I have prosecuted oil companies for polluting our air and water, and I have worked across the aisle to pass legislation to protect our public lands.”

Dianne Feinstein’s Senate Seat

The four candidates are seeking to fill the seat vacated by the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, who served in the Senate for three decades before passing away in 2023. Feinstein, a Democrat, was a trailblazing politician who made history as the first woman to serve as president pro tempore of the Senate.

Her death has left a void in California politics, and the upcoming election will determine who will succeed her in the Senate.

California Primary Election Details

Voting in California’s primary election closes on March 5, with early in-person voting beginning on February 24. California residents can also vote by mail, with ballot drop-off locations opening on February 6.

The top two candidates from the primary election will advance to the general election in November, where they will face off for the Senate seat.

The race for California’s Senate seat is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races in the country in 2024. With four strong candidates vying for the seat, the outcome of the election could have a significant impact on the balance of power in the Senate.