Staff Reports
Steve Garvey, the former baseball luminary turned Republican contender, is causing quite a stir in California’s 2024 Senate race, clinching the second spot and leaving influential House Democrats in his wake. Katie Porter, Barbara Lee, and Adam Schiff find themselves grappling to match Garvey's newfound surge in popularity. His bold leap into the political arena from a state traditionally swayed towards Democrats is turning heads and causing ripples of intrigue.
California dreaming: Republican Steve Garvey in line to beat two big-name Democrats in Senate jungle primary https://t.co/lvFN9Xb9Jy https://t.co/lvFN9Xb9Jy
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 22, 2023
In a recent Politico/Morning Consult poll, Garvey managed to overtake Porter, who had been trailing Schiff, the front-runner. Despite his outsider status, Garvey rallied an impressive 19% of likely primary voters in California, edging past Porter at 17% and Lee at 14%. While Schiff still maintains a lead at 28%, Garvey's sudden ascent is reshaping the race in an unexpected twist.
Garvey's legacy as a celebrated infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres seems to have left an indelible mark on voters' perceptions. Despite retiring from Major League Baseball back in 1987, his enduring charisma and celebrity allure clearly strike a chord with Californians.
Although Garvey has kept a relatively low profile in media appearances since launching his campaign, his recent tour across Southern California hasn't gone unnoticed. He's taken the time to delve into critical issues and forge connections with local communities. From his visits to the Salton Sea to conversations about bolstering middle-class job opportunities at a beef processing facility in Brawley, Garvey demonstrates a resolute dedication to understanding the concerns of potential constituents.
Moreover, Garvey's recent excursion along the California-Mexico border alongside Rep. Darrell Issa underscores his commitment to grappling with pivotal border security issues. Despite limited media exposure, Garvey's actions speak volumes about his priorities and values as a prospective candidate.
With the 2024 election looming, Matt Shupe, a Republican consultant and spokesperson for Garvey’s team, underscores the significance of fundraising to compete against seasoned politicians who've amassed substantial war chests. Shupe emphasizes Garvey's focus on fundraising and pledges a forthcoming surge in campaign endeavors, ensuring that Garvey's message resonates throughout every corner of California.
