Three Democrats running for California's U.S. Senate seat blasted Republican candidate Steve Garvey's support for former President Trump during a debate Monday.
California Democrats Barbara Lee, Katie Porter, and Adam Schiff took turns speaking. stage of discussion He criticized Garvey for voting for Trump twice and for attacking President Biden.
“Mr. Garvey, you're not telling the public whether you're going to support this man again,” Porter asked. “You voted for him twice. You saw what he did on January 6th. You have to know what a threat he is to the country. I understand that he doesn't want to alienate the MAGA world by saying that, but I also don't want to stand up to him.”
Garvey, a player for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres and a political novice, appeared shaken by the attack. In response, he argued against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Biden, and justified his decision to vote for Trump in 2016 and 2020.
“They're trying to corner me. They're trying to call me 'MAGA,'” Garvey said of his debate rivals. “I make my own decisions. I voted for Donald Trump because I think he's the best person.”
Garvey said that while Clinton “spoke to the people of this country” in 2016, Biden “hidden in his basement” during the 2020 campaign.
“I don't think Joe Biden has done anything good for this country,” Garvey added.
Three Democratic senators used the opportunity to attack Garvey over President Trump's stance on abortion rights and the January 6 Capitol riot.
When asked whether he would support Biden or Trump in 2024, Garvey said:
“Once a Dodger, always a Dodger,” Porter jabbed. “By refusing to answer questions, you have two and a half minutes to talk about the essential issues of this debate. Ballots will be sent out in six weeks. Mr. Garvey, this is not the minor leagues. Who will you vote for?”
He again declined to give a final answer, saying he would put his decision on hold until November.
Garvey has been criticized for not having a clear political stance. He has not posted any specific policies on his campaign website, and has made vague and contradictory statements in his political platform.
When asked about his beliefs at the beginning of the debate, Garvey jokingly said he disagreed with Senate Republicans on “everything.”
Partisan dynamics could be crucial in the March 5 primary. The top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election.
Mr. Schiff is leading in early polls, with a 9-point lead over Mr. Garvey in a Politico/Morning Consult poll last month. Butler and Porter trailed Garvey by two and five points, respectively.
The race is aimed at finding a permanent replacement for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who died in October. Sen. LaFonza Butler (D-Calif.) was appointed to the seat, but she announced she would not run for office.
The bottom line is that the primary will probably be the most expensive ever.Data shows Porter and Schiff are the top two fundraisers in the Senate for the 2024 cycle. Federal Election Commission data, which have collected $22 million and $21 million, respectively, as of October. Ms. Lee raised $3.4 million during that period, but Ms. Garvey has not yet reported any funding.
Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
