U.S. Senator
Why does this race matter?
A crowded field of candidates is running to fill the U.S. Senate seat held for more than 30 years by Dianne Feinstein, who died last year. It’s a rare opportunity to represent the most populous state in the nation in the Senate. The March vote could decide a likely winner in November: If a Republican advances to the general election along with a Democrat, the Democrat would be favored to win the seat.
Why am I voting in this race twice?
When longtime California Sen. Dianne Feinstein died in September, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to serve the remainder of her term. Voters are now being asked to pick a senator to serve the short window from when the election is certified to when the term ends on Jan. 3, 2025, and also to pick a senator for the next full term, from January 2025 through January 2031.
Candidates
Top Priorities
Steve Garvey:
- Tackling homelessness by addressing the mental health and substance abuse crises.
- Improving public schools.
- Holding criminals accountable and improving funding for police departments.
Adam Schiff:
- Expanding voting rights and eliminating the electoral college.
- Reforming campaign finance and ethics laws to make government more accountable.
- Reforming the U.S. Supreme Court by expanding it and imposing term limits.
Key Supporters
For Garvey
- California Republican Party
For Schiff
- Nancy Pelosi, U.S. representative
- California Labor Federation
- United Farm Workers
U.S. Senator FAQ
What are the qualifications to be a senator?
Senators must be at least 30 years old, and have been U.S. citizens for at least nine years. They must also be residents of the state they’re running to represent at the time of the election.
How many years do we elect a U.S. senator for?
U.S. senators are elected for six-year terms.
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