In the competitive contest to succeed the late California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the endorsement of Rep. Adam Schiff by The Los Angeles Times’ editorial board has been declared. The California Democrat’s “extraordinary leadership” in safeguarding the nation, particularly democracy, from former President Donald Trump, was highlighted as the primary rationale behind the endorsement.
Acknowledging the capabilities of all three Democrats in the race, The Times characterized Schiff, Rep. Barbara Lee, and Rep. Katie Porter as “smart, experienced, savvy members of the House who could effectively represent California in the Senate.”
Highlighted by the Times, Schiff is noted for his exceptional leadership over the past several years in contributing to the protection of the nation’s institutions, the rule of law, and American democracy from former President Trump.
Schiff’s ascent to national prominence occurred when he was selected by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (who has lent her endorsement to Schiff in his Senate campaign) to spearhead the initial impeachment investigation into Trump.
This investigation was centered around allegations of withholding aid to Ukraine contingent on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initiating an investigation into Hunter Biden, the son of Joe Biden.
Expressed by The Times’ editorial board, Schiff, backed by over 60% of the California House delegation, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is perceived as the individual most prepared to assume statewide leadership.
Subsequently, Schiff contributed to the high-profile House Jan. 6 committee, where Trump’s role in instigating the Capitol attack that day was delineated.
Apart from his history of confronting Trump, Schiff is characterized as “a team player, adept in the art of compromise, and an individual who, despite the criticism from Trumpland, commands the respect of lawmakers from both ends of the political spectrum. This holds significance for California,” emphasized The Times in their endorsement.
Scheduled for March 5, a special election will take place, and the advancement of the top two vote-getters will occur irrespective of their party affiliation. Laphonza Butler, a Democrat appointed to assume the vacancy post Feinstein’s demise, has opted not to participate in the election.
As indicated by a recent poll from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, a marginal lead is held by Schiff in the financially substantial Senate race. Among likely voters, he garners the support of 21 percent, followed by Porter at 17 percent, and Republican Steve Garvey at 13 percent, as outlined in the poll results.
Frequently chosen to assume the lead in these high-profile initiatives, it comes as no surprise that Schiff is the preferred choice. Described by colleagues as an exceptionally intelligent and distinctly skilled communicator, he is recognized for his ability to delve into the essence of an issue. This talent proves indispensable in garnering the backing of fellow legislators and the broader public.
A former baseball star with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, Garvey is noted by The Times for having no legislative background and never having occupied any public office. The editorial further questions why Californians would desire the representation of a novice in the major league of lawmaking, such as the U.S. Senate.
