Republican Garvey intensifies California Senate race by targeting Schiff over support from previous opponent

As Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) gained another endorsement from a former primary rival in Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), his Republican opponent for California’s Senate seat, Republican Steve Garvey, is attacking him for the endorsement.

Schiff and Garvey, a former professional baseball star, are set to face off against each other in the race to replace the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat. In his attack, Garvey claimed Schiff would continue Lee’s agenda.

“Adam Schiff says he looks forward to continuing to work with Barbara Lee, whose agenda is a permanent ceasefire with Hamas, out-of-control crime, $50 minimum wage, and a failed track record with the Latino community,” Garvey said. “Californians loudly rejected Barbara Lee’s pro-Hamas, pro-criminal agenda in the primary and I look forward to seeing them reject Adam Schiff and this agenda in November.”

Some of Garvey’s claims, however, are not backed up by Schiff’s comments.

In the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, Schiff emerged as one of the most pro-Israel Democrats in California’s Senate primary. In March, however, Schiff echoed the White House’s calls for a temporary ceasefire amid the growing death toll in Gaza.

“My position is the same as the administration,” Schiff said, “which is there needs to be a deal to release the hostages and have a pause in the fighting.”

It is unclear if he would back a permanent ceasefire in the region as his office did not respond to a request for comment.

Some of Garvey’s claims, however, are not true. Schiff has not called for a $50 per hour minimum wage as Lee had. In the Democratic primary debates, Schiff instead called for a minimum wage in the range of $20-$25 per hour.

Garvey’s claim that Schiff would advance a “pro-criminal” agenda is unverifiable. His website details Schiff’s approach to criminal justice reform and public safety. It states that Schiff believes in “progressive and practical criminal justice reform that will root out discriminatory practices and make our streets safe for everyone – no matter where they live or what they look like.”

On public safety, his campaign laid out some policy ideas Schiff has.

“Adam supports an assault weapons ban, red flag laws, and universal background checks, among many other proposals,” the website reads.

Regarding the Latino community, Schiff has been endorsed by several Latino lawmakers across California.

“Whether it’s fighting for workers rights or better health care access for our families — Adam Schiff has consistently been on the side of Latino families here in California,” said Democratic state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo.

Garvey’s campaign defended his statement and told the Washington Examiner that because Schiff has accepted Lee’s endorsement and mentioned his eagerness in working with her, he has effectively endorsed Lee’s agenda.

“Californians have a clear choice this November in who they want representing them in the Senate — a Trump apologist or a defender of democracy,” Lee said in a statement Wednesday. “Now more than ever, we need to elect people like Adam Schiff, who will stand up against the autocrats looking to divide this country and dismantle our democracy.”

“For decades in Congress, I’ve worked alongside Adam to deliver for Californians. I’m honored to endorse him for the United States Senate,” she added.

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Schiff was appreciative of the endorsement.

“I’ve had the great privilege of working alongside her in the House to deliver for California families, and I look forward to continuing to partner with her to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for every Californian,” Schiff said. “I’m so grateful for her support in this race.”