Former Democratic Rivals Back Schiff Over Garvey in Senate Race

California Democratic Party rivals Rep. Barbara Lee and Rep. Katie Porter are officially backing their former opponent Rep. Adam Schiff, hoping to keep the state’s open Senate seat blue.

Mr. Schiff and former baseball star Steve Garvey, a Republican, will face off in the general election in November after receiving the most votes in the March primary.

Ms. Lee endorsed Mr. Schiff this week, saying the Burbank congressman would save democracy.

“Californians have a clear choice this November in who they want representing them in the Senate—a Trump apologist or a defender of democracy,” the Oakland congresswoman said in a statement. “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.”

Mr. Schiff thanked Ms. Lee Wednesday in a message posted on X.

“Congresswoman [Barbara Lee] is one of the nation’s most powerful advocates for social justice, housing and economic opportunity,” he wrote. “She’s a tireless fighter for working families—and I look forward to continuing to work with her to improve the quality of life for every Californian.”

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In an interview with FOX LA March 30, Ms. Porter also threw her support behind her former opponent in the Senate race.

“I think he is the right choice for Californians,” the Irvine congresswoman said. “I called Adam, I think it was Thursday after the election, and we had a pleasant exchange. He is my colleague, he continues to be my colleague in the House of Representatives, as does Barbara Lee. … I strongly support him. I think he’s the right choice for Californians.”

Mr. Schiff has also won endorsements from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and several other state Democrats in Congress.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Treasurer Fiona Ma, and other state officials have also endorsed Mr. Schiff.

Mr. Schiff came in first in the state’s primary election to replace now-deceased U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, with a vote of 31.6 percent compared to Mr. Garvey’s 31.5 percent—a difference of 3,478 votes—according to final election results.

Ms. Feinstein announced in February 2023 she was retiring from the U.S. Senate after serving since 1992. She died in office on Sept. 29.