In California, the race to fill the late Senator Dianne Feinstein's seat has been intense, with multiple candidates vying for the position. Under the state's primary system, all candidates run on the same ballot, and the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the next round.
Congressman Adam Schiff has emerged as the front-runner in recent polls, but Democratic Congresswomen Katie Porter and Barbara Lee, as well as Republican and former LA Dodgers star Steve Garvey, are also in contention.
Reports from a polling station in Santa Ana, Southern California, indicate a steady stream of voters casting their ballots. Some voters preferred to vote in person to ensure their votes were counted, while many others had already voted by mail or were dropping off their ballots.
The Senate race has been a focal point for many voters, with Adam Schiff leading in fundraising efforts. Schiff has strategically targeted Republican Steve Garvey, who has not invested in advertising. The election has seen over $71 million spent on advertising, surpassing the amount spent on presidential election ads since February.
Given that Democrats outnumber Republicans two to one in California, Schiff's focus on Garvey is aimed at securing a more favorable matchup in November. By raising his profile and targeting Garvey, Schiff hopes to increase his chances of winning the Senate seat.
Voters in California have the unique opportunity to cast two votes for the Senate seat. One vote is for the remainder of Dianne Feinstein's term this year, while the other is for the full six-year term starting in January. This dual voting system allows voters to choose different candidates for each term, adding an interesting dynamic to the election.
The significance of this Senate race cannot be understated, as it involves a crucial Senate seat in California. With candidates from various political backgrounds competing, the outcome of this election will have far-reaching implications for the state's political landscape.
