Capitol Hill. (Photo: USCP.gov)
The 2024 California U.S. Senate Race: Where It Currently Stands Post-Feinstein
A quiet March still brought big changes to the race
By Evan Symon, March 18, 2023 2:28 am
Since the last report by the Globe in February, the 2024 California U.S. Senate Race For Senator Dianne Feinstein’s seat has continued to evolve, with more candidates looking for a possible run, others confirming they’re out, and some making plays to garner more attention early on in the race. With the lines still blurred for many, the Globe decided to take another look where the race currently stands in mid-March.
Who is in?
No one major has officially entered the race in the last several months. The Democrats still consist of the big three: Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-CA) and Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA).
Amongst Republicans, only one, Educator Denice Gary-Pandol, has officially entered. No other parties have had anyone enter yet either, including independent candidates.
Who may be in?
The biggest candidate for the Democrats who has expressed interest is Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA), who has yet to officially decide either way. Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA), Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, and Governor Gavin Newsom have all yet to officially rule out a run as well.
The GOP, meanwhile, has seen more candidates file to run. Healthcare Executive James Bradley filed to run earlier this month for the second Senate race in a row, joining 2016 Oakland Mayoral candidate Peter Liu and lawyer Barack Mandela. Lawyer Eric Early has, like Khanna, also expressed interest.
A run by a known celebrity or other prominent lawmaker who hasn’t been considered yet is also possible, as is a third-party candidate or independent candidate.
Who is out?
Joining Feinstein, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, SF Mayor London Breed, former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, and LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell on the ‘thanks, but no thanks’ list this month is former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. While he had not been expected in the race, a speculatory run began to gain traction several weeks ago, causing him to say no. More are also expected to join them in the coming months.
Who is backing who?
Endorsements have still come fleetingly in the race so far. Schiff has gotten dozens of State Senators and Assemblymembers to support him, as well as Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and over a dozen members of Congress. Lee has gotten Breed, Schaaf, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, a few out of state lawmakers, and United Farm Workers (UFW) co-founder Dolores Huerta. And, despite her claiming that her run will have no gimmicks involved, numerous actors have come out in support of her, including Danny Glover and Jamie Foxx.
Meanwhile, Porter has remained pretty stagnant, still clinging on to the initial endorsement of Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
With the recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, both Porter and Schiff have been trying to tackle banking issues in it’s wake, potentially bringing in additional support that could garner more endorsements.
What is coming up next?
Final decisions by potential candidates will likely be coming this Spring, with Khanna and a potential major Republican candidate being the most anticipated.
New polls are also likely to show where Californians currently stand, as well as new endorsements being likely. Should Newsom not run, his endorsement would be the most sought after by candidates, as would a potential endorsement from President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris.
With big shifts expected soon in the race, the Spring is expected to solidify who is running for the Senate.
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February 16, 2023
God help California if any of these corrupt Marxist Democrats gets installed? No doubt the Democrat cabal is determining who is the most corrupt and which one will be their best puppet to install?
Two and only two Rep candidates. We might pull off a “top 2 victory” in the first round. Unlikely, but it’s the only chance of avoiding a Dem dedicated to overthrowing our country, freedom and republic and creating a one party fascist state.
The last time I had ANY representation was when Dan Lundgren still held a seat in the House. It’s been continually downhill since then.
That list reads like a who’s who of nut-jobs.
I don’t live in CA anymore but replacing Dianne Feinstein will be a hard decision for Californians. She has been a good Senator for many years and has supported the rights of victims of crime, fair tax policies, and a genuine care for the people of California. I have met with her several times when I lived in CA and have always been implressed with her genuine care about that once wonderful state. All that being said, among Democrats who might run I would go with Lou Correa. I have known Lou since he first ran for political office and I know him to be thoughtful and caring politician with absolutely no issues to challenge his honesty and integrity during his time in politics. To be honest I am a lifelong Republican and among GOP cadidates I think if I still lived in CA I would be left to wonder who, who would I support? Since Arnold’s disasterous support for changing CA’s process to the top two primary winner limit on the Novemeber ballot GOPers have dissapperied from CA .
politics. That being said I could readily support Board of Equalization member Ted Gaines. A smart, honest politician who truly loves California and wants only the best for all Californians. Just say’n.