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