Adam Schiff wins US Senate race in California
LOS ANGELES - Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff has won the race for US Senate, beating his opponent, Republican baseball player Steve Garvey.
The Associated Press called the race right at 8 p.m. when polls closed in California. Schiff led with 58.4% of the votes while Garvey gained 41.6%.
For many in the blue state, it is no surprise a democrat won the seat. This is the first time California has had an open U.S. Senate seat since 2016. Schiff will fill the seat once held by the late Dianne Feinstein.
"I am committed to taking on the big fights to protect our freedoms and to protect our democracy. California will continue to be at the forefront of progress, the full work of democracy, the champion of innovation and the protector of our rights and freedoms," Schiff said during his victory speech Tuesday night.
"My promise to you is, I'm going to deliver on day one, week one, year one, and keep on delivering for this amazing state."
"In the Senate I will be a champion and voice for all Californians, whether you voted for me or not, whether you live in the big city or a small county, whether you grew up here or came to America searching for a better life. We are going to build more affordable housing so you aren't forced to choose between your rent and putting food on the table.
Garvey, meanwhile, thanked his supporters during his watch party in Rancho Mirage.
"In baseball, like in many professional sports, there's a tradition of members of the opposing team to congratulate the winners," he said. "Often times with a handshake on the field or even a visit to the opponent's clubhouse. ... In that same spirit I congratulate Congressman Adam Schiff on his victory. Using their enormous power the voters have elected him the next U.S. senator from California. And I respect that and wish him good choices for all of the people in the years to come.
"... I want you to know that despite the outcome that when the counting is over we will have gotten the fourth most number of votes in the country. This means that everyone in California does have a voice. And it will only grow louder and louder."
For Schiff, he said public safety is his top priority. He plans to increase funding for law enforcement and put more cops on the street and focus on community-based policing. In addition to that, he also plans to invest in new tools to identify those who are committing crimes.
He plans to tackle the issue of homelessness by creating more affordable housing. His plans also include expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program, which would make it easier for developers to build more affordable housing. He also plans to create a federal low-interest loan for multifamily housing units, and convert unused federal and state buildings/land into housing developments.
Adam Schiff: Where the California U.S. Senate candidate stands on these issues
Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff is in a competitive race for California U.S. Senate. Here's a look at where Schiff stands on top issues like crime, economic growth, immigration and homelessness solutions.
In an interview with FOX 11, Schiff said the homelessness epidemic comes back to one common problem… there isn't enough housing available and the time it takes to construct it.
In terms of the economy, his goal is to drive down the cost of living in California. His proposed plans include driving down the cost of prescription drugs, gas, food, housing, and childcare.
Schiff's background
Schiff represents California's 30th Congressional District. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000 and currently serves as a senior member of the House Committee on the Judiciary. In 1996, he was elected to the California State Senate and was the Senate’s youngest member when his term began. During his four-year term, Schiff chaired the Senate Public Employment and Retirement Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Select Committee on Juvenile Justice, and the Joint Committee on the Arts. While serving in the State Senate, he also taught political science courses at Glendale Community College.
Schiff has been a leading advocate for human rights both locally and around the world. He is the Vice Chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and Vice Chair of the Armenian Caucus. As a strong supporter of the Armenian community, he has led efforts in Congress to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide and in 2019 Congress passed his resolution with overwhelming bipartisan support. Schiff was also part of the congressional delegation that traveled to Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in the spring of 2022.