Western Reader
Former baseball MVP Steve Garvey has announced his intention to run for the position of late California Senator Dianne Feinstein. At the age of 74, Garvey is experienced in competition, having played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.
Garvey’s entry into the political scene brings a touch of celebrity power to the Republican party in a state dominated by Democrats for the past thirty years.
To kick off his campaign, Garvey released a video filled with baseball imagery, reminiscent of his days as a perennial All-Star. The video also hinted at his intention to lean towards the political center, potentially attracting voters from both parties.
Former Dodgers great Steve Garvey is taking a swing at the U.S. Senate. He is running as a Republican in California, hoping to fill the seat held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. https://t.co/8BW3HIL56Z pic.twitter.com/ArEVQ3lwgh
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) October 10, 2023
“I never played for Democrats or Republicans or independents. I played for all of you,” Garvey stated in the video, emphasizing his desire to represent all Californians.
The former baseball star also addressed some of the pressing issues facing the state, including homelessness and crime. He promised a “common sense campaign” focused on practical solutions.
In an interview, Garvey mentioned that he had previously voted for Trump but remained undecided about the upcoming 2024 presidential race.
Although new to the political scene, Garvey has contemplated running for office in the past after retiring from baseball. This time, he appears motivated by the “quality of life stress” affecting the state. His campaign will prioritize reducing crime, improving education, and addressing inflation and high gas prices.
BREAKING: Former Major League Baseball player and all star Steve Garvey announces he is entering the 2024 U.S. Senate race in California.
Garvey is running as a Republican for the seat long held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein and newly-appointed Sen. Laphonza Butler. pic.twitter.com/WCBpUDDLdR
— Eytan Wallace (@EytanWallace) October 10, 2023
Garvey’s entry into the race provides the Republican party with a familiar name, although younger voters may be unfamiliar with him. With numerous candidates expected to divide the primary vote, Garvey has a chance to make it to the November general election. To achieve this, he would need to consolidate Republican and conservative voters behind his candidacy.
However, Garvey’s campaign has faced some controversy due to his past personal scandals, which opponents have already begun to exploit. Nonetheless, Garvey remains undeterred, stating, “I think our life is a journey.”
Steve Garvey’s entry into the California Senate race brings a fresh perspective and celebrity influence to the Republican party. It remains to be seen how his campaign will fare in a state long dominated by Democrats.
This article appeared in TheDailyBeat and has been published here with permission.
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