Rep. Adam Schiff (D–Burbank) is setting his eyes on Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat, officially announcing his candidacy for 2024 on Thursday.
Schiff is the second Democrat to enter the race to replace Feinstein – who has not made a public decision on her future – following progressive Rep. Katie Porter (D–Irvine).
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Driving the news: After heading the House Intelligence Committee when Democrats held the majority in the last few years, Schiff was blocked by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R–Bakersfield) this week from continuing to serve on the committee.
- Schiff has been an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump, and his challenge of Feinstein continues to signal that Democrats are ready to see the 89-year-old senator retire after over 30 years on the job.
- Schiff, 62, has served in Congress since 2001.
What we’re watching: Who will be next to crowd the race for Feinstein’s seat? The Wall Street journal reported Wednesday that Rep. Barbara Lee (D–Oakland) told members of the Congressional Black Caucus that she will run for Senate, and Rep. Ro Khanna (D – Fremont) is reportedly interested in running as well.
What they’re saying: In his announcement, Shiff went after the GOP, saying the Republican Party is a threat to democracy that cares more about power than anything else.
- “The fight for our democracy and working families is part of the same struggle,” Schiff said. “Because if our democracy isn’t delivering for Americans, they’ll look for alternatives, like a dangerous demagogue who promises that he alone can fix it.”
