In the race for the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the choice is not a difficult one. California voters can send an experienced, practical, thoughtful and responsible legislator to represent them in Washington. Or they can send a former baseball player.
We believe the choice is clear. Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank) should be California's next senator. He has shown extraordinary leadership and determination during some of the most difficult times of the past few years, when it seemed that democracy and the stability of the U.S. government were on the brink.
Schiff is probably the most prepared Senate candidate Californians have considered in decades. He has had a nearly three-decade political career representing the communities of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, first serving in the state Legislature and then in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2001. Before running for office, he was an assistant U.S. attorney and has retained the methodical, controlled demeanor of a prosecutor.
In Southern California, Schiff earned a reputation as a no-nonsense but kind lawmaker who looks at details to find practical solutions and is a reliable advocate for local needs. He earned national attention (and vilification from conservatives) for opposing President Trump’s attempts to undermine the country’s institutions and the rule of law for his own benefit.
Schiff led the first impeachment inquiry into Trump for allegedly withholding military aid to Ukraine while pressuring its leaders to announce an investigation into Joe Biden.
And he was the lead prosecutor in the Senate impeachment trial, skillfully building the case that Trump abused the power of his office for his own benefit and then tried to obstruct the congressional investigation. The GOP-controlled Senate acquitted the president, but not before Schiff made an emotional closing speech that even cattle grudging praise of some Republicans.
Schiff was chosen again in 2021 to investigate another attack on democratic norms. He served on the January 6 committee, which painstakingly detailed the Trump's expanding conspiracy and his allies to overturn the 2020 election, culminating in rioters storming the U.S. Capitol to prevent Congress from formally declaring Joe Biden's victory.
His role, as well as his effectiveness, in detailing Trump’s abuses may have made Schiff a lightning rod, but he has no history of throwing bombs. He is a collegial legislator, skilled in the art of compromise and respected by lawmakers in both parties. He does his homework, which is important in a state as large as California, with diverse regions and different needs.
Republican Steve Garvey had a great career playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in the 1970s and 1980s. But he has no experience in political office, no record of public interest advocacy, and no A history of success as an entrepreneur. His website offers platitudes rather than positions, and was evasive and unprepared During the primary debates, in short, he is not a serious candidate.
In the March primary, we chose Schiff over two other high-profile House members, Reps. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) and Katie Porter (D-Irvine). For the runoff, the decision is easy. Schiff is an excellent choice to represent California's interests in the U.S. Senate.
