Steve Garvey, LA Dodgers legend, may run for US Senate in California.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers player and Republican Steve Garvey is exploring the possibility of running for U.S. Senate in California. Despite being an underdog against Democratic candidates, Garvey’s candidacy would excite California Republicans, according to GOP strategist Rob Stutzman.

“It’s very tough for any Republican to win statewide, and that’s probably more true in a U.S. Senate race,” Stutzman said in a statement. “However, he could be a wild-card candidate that could really change the dynamic in a way we haven’t seen happen in over a decade. It’s hard to predict victory, but it could certainly boost the party.”

Garvey’s Potential Campaign Focus

• Cost-of-living
• High taxes
• Rising crime
• Lack of opportunities for Californians

Garvey played 18 years in the major leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres before retiring from baseball in 1987. Republican strategist Andy Gharakhani, who is advising Garvey, confirmed that the Palm Desert resident is looking at his campaign options.

“He is being contacted by leaders up and down the state. They’re recruiting him to run from both sides, Republican and Democrat, and he’s seriously considering it,” Gharakhani told the LA Times. “We should have a decision made here in the next few weeks.”

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who is dealing with significant health issues, announced that she will not seek another term in 2024, opening up the senate race.

“I am announcing today I will not run for reelection in 2024 but intend to accomplish as much for California as I can through the end of next year when my term ends,” Feinstein said in a statement in February. “Even with a divided Congress, we can still pass bills that will improve lives. Each of us was sent here to solve problems. That’s what I’ve done for the last 30 years and what I plan to do for the next two years. My thanks to the people of California for allowing me to serve them.”

According to the Federal Election Commission, twenty candidates had filed to run for her seat by the end of March. California Gov. Gavin Newsom will have to replace Feinstein if she retires before her term is up.

“The hard part now is the race is not that many months away, right?” Newsom said.