Steve Garvey has jumped into the California Senate race as a Republican.Photo:Rodin Eckenroth/Getty
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty
Steve Garveyis taking a swing at politics, entering California’s crowded U.S. Senate race as a Republican candidate.
“I played in front of millions of fans. I never played for Democrats or Republicans or independents — I played for all of you,” Garvey said ina videolaunching his campaign on Tuesday. “Now I’m running for U.S. Senate in California, a state that I believe at one time was the heartbeat of America, and now is just a murmur.”
Garvey — a former National League MVP who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres — promised to bring “fresh voices” and “new ideas” to the table.
“We need people who are going to be exactly that: for the people,” the Palm Springs resident toldNBC News. “Simply, I’m running for all the people — the things that affect the daily lives of people in California.”
He told the outlet that “family issues,” including education, public safety and the economy, will be a centerpiece of his “common sense” campaign.
Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty
The already-large field of candidates hoping to secure Feinstein’s coveted seat include Democratic Reps.Katie Porter,Adam SchiffandBarbara Lee.
Republicans have not won a Senate race in California in 35 years, making Garvey’s bid a long shot. However, Garvey believes his high profile as a former sports star gives him an edge in the race.
“Many people know me; they know my name,” he told NBC News. “I think people will believe in me, and they’ll feel that their voice becomes my voice and I’ll go to bat for them every day.”
Steve Garvey at Dodger Stadium on June 2.Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times via Getty
Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times via Getty
Afterretiring from his 18-year baseball career in 1987, Garvey publicly floated the possibility of a U.S. Senate run but nothing came of it.
Another GOP strategist, Rob Stutzman, told theLos Angeles Timesthat Garvey’s popularity among older voters could boost his electability.
“He did a ton of advertising over the years. He’s a very well-known former athlete in California, and, assuming a strong and competent candidacy, I think he would absolutely have the opportunity to consolidate the Republican vote in the primary,” Stutzman said.
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In his campaign video, Garvey acknowledged how tough his first political race will be.
“It’s going to be difficult, but we can do this together, you and I,” he said. “It’s time to get off the bench, it’s time to put the uniform on. It’s time to get back in the game.”
source: people.com
