Republican candidate Steve Garvey is leading Democrat Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the open primary race to fill the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) U.S. Senate seat.
As of Wednesday morning, baseball legend Garvey has edged ahead of Schiff.
Garvey, a former 10-time MLB All-Star, leads Schiff by an incredibly slim margin of just 4,801 votes.
More than 5 million votes have been tallied so far, accounting for about 85% of expected returns.
“As California’s votes are counted, it’s clear that our message of unity, common sense, and compassion resonates across the state,” Garvey said.
“I am deeply honored by the trust and support shown in these preliminary results.
Despite millions being spent against Garvey in the state’s most expensive open U.S. Senate primary election, Garvey’s trajectory remains competitive to finish in first place.
“I’m energized by our campaign’s momentum and ready for the challenge ahead,” Garvey said.
“I look forward to a spirited campaign on the critical issues facing us.”
Schiff, one of the leading Democrats in the U.S. House, will face Garvey, a Republican, in November.
They will compete to determine who succeeds Feinstein.
California puts all candidates, regardless of party, on the same primary ballot.
The two candidates who get the most votes advance to the general election.
Among the other big names on the ballot were Reps. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee, both Democrats.
Garvey has campaigned on a platform highlighting crime and homelessness in the state.
He has been pledging to get the issues under control.
Schiff, meanwhile, has taken a more progressive stance.
A Republican hasn’t been elected to represent California in the U.S. Senate since Pete Wilson in 1988.
At the time, Wilson won re-election over Leo T. McCarthy.
Wilson stepped down when he became governor of California in 1991 and appointed John Seymour to serve in his place.
Feinstein defeated Seymour in the state’s 1992 election.
She then held the seat until her death in September.
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed radical leftist Laphonza Butler to serve out the remainder of Feinstein’s term.
Garvey said his campaign is about bringing together Californians from all walks of life to address shared challenges.
“I will continue to listen, learn, and lead with compassion and work to build consensus on the real issues that matter to our communities,” Garvey said.
“Thank you to everyone who believes in the California comeback, together, we will make that vision a reality.”
The race will not be finalized until all mail-in ballots are counted, including ballots postmarked on March 5.
