SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
The late Dianne Feinstein's U.S. Senate seat is up for grabs in the November 2024 election. Congressman Adam Schiff and former pro baseball player Steve Garvey are each hoping to get your vote.
ABC10’s Alex Bell sat down with both candidates and shares what issues are top of mind for their campaigns.
"This election is the most important election in our lifetimes,” said Southern California Congressman, Democrat Adam Schiff.
The Bay Area native is a Stanford and Harvard law school graduate, former federal prosecutor, California state senator and congressman of more than 20 years.
“We have an opportunity to really move the country forward, to bring the country to a better place. To take more meaningful action on bringing down the cost of living, raising up the living standards of Americans, attacking climate change, attacking gun violence, restoring reproductive freedom," said Schiff.
Republican candidate Steve Garvey, originally from Florida, attended Michigan State University.
“It's a transitional time in California and America,” said Garvey.
The professional baseball star played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres for nearly two decades, and has since become a motivational speaker, businessman and philanthropist, calling California home for more than 50 years.
“We've had failed politicians, career politicians that haven't served the people. They've run for power and wealth. I don't need those things. I don't need to build a name or a brand. It would be the greatest honor for me to be able to represent the people of California and to be their voice," said Garvey.
With California's homelessness crisis top of mind for many voters, ABC10 asked both candidates how they plan to address the issue.
"My top priority in the U.S. Senate is going to be building more housing in California, bringing down the cost of housing, attacking the problem of homelessness,” said Schiff. “It all comes down to the same thing, which is a lack of supply. There's just not enough housing period.”
At the federal level, Schiff says he plans on working to expand the low income housing tax credit.
“...Which makes it, you know, possible for developers to build housing at lower costs," said Schiff.
“Most people talk, 'Oh, we got to find homes for the homeless,' well, that's going to happen and a local involvement is going to be a big key to that, but let's get to the real issue and that's mental illness and addiction," said Garvey. "These people at the lowest point in their lives have been attacked by the drug lord, so to speak, which has initiated a downward spiral. Let's get them into facilities.”
ABC10 also asked why voters should choose them over their opponent. Here’s what each candidate had to say.
“I performed at the highest level and in one of the most difficult businesses and that's going out every day and playing in front of 30,000-40,000 people and entertaining them,” said Garvey.
He feels that he’s running against what he calls a career politician, who’s been in office too long.
“All the main issues that California's Americans are facing now about their quality of life and cost of living and safety. He hasn't been able to do anything about it and that's why it is time for change," said Garvey.
Schiff points to Garvey’s vote for former president Donald Trump.
“We know that he's for Donald Trump. He's made that very clear, and we know that he's for the state's ability to ban abortion. That is not the direction California wants to go. In fact, it's quite the opposite direction that California wants to go. So, we don't need another MAGA enabler in the U.S. Senate," said Schiff.
He says California needs someone who’s going to fight for issues like housing and affordable childcare.
“These are the kind of bread and butter things that I'm focused on. I want to get stuff done. Mr. Garvey, he likes to talk about baseball, it's a pretty sharp contrast," said Schiff.
Schiff highlights his endorsements from Nancy Pelosi, labor unions and a number of congressmembers. He is throwing his full support behind Kamala Harris for president.
Garvey says he's supporting former president Donald Trump in this election like past elections, and when asked about whether he wants Trump’s endorsement, Garvey says he is looking for endorsements from police and first responders.
Voters will see Steve Garvey and Adam Schiff's name in two races on their ballot — one for a partial Senate term to finish out Dianne Feinstein's term, and a full Senate term which lasts six years in Washington, D.C.
According to the latest FEC filings, Adam Schiff has about $10 million in cash as of June versus Steve Garvey's $3.7 million.
WATCH MORE FROM ABC10: November 2024 California propositions explained
