Steve Garvey hit 272 home runs in his big league baseball career.
Now the former Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres star is swinging for the fences again as a candidate for the US Senate from his adopted home state.
The 10-time All-Star, who helped push the Dodgers past the Yankees in the 1981 World Series, announced Tuesday that he is running as a Republican for the seat vacated by the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) last month.
“Our campaign is focused on issues of quality of life, public safety and education,” Garvey said in a statement. “As US Senator, I will serve with common sense, compassion, and will work to build consensus to benefit all Californians.”
Garvey, 74, anchored a legendary Dodgers team in the 1970s that featured Davy Lopes at second base, Bill Russell at shortstop and Ron Cey at third base — winning the National League Most Valuable Player award in 1974 and being named the National League Championship Series MVP in in 1978.
He signed with the Padres as a free agent ahead of the 1983 season and was named NLCS MVP the following year as San Diego won its first pennant.
Steve Garvey played 19 seasons for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. Getty Images The 10-time All-Star now hopes to lead the GOP to victory in California.Getty Images
“I have been fortunate to wear many hats in my life – from professional athlete to businessman to philanthropist. But one thing that has remained consistent is my love for this great state and my desire to make a difference,” Garvey said Tuesday.
“In baseball, it’s not about the individual; it’s about the team. I believe the same is true for politics. It’s time we come together, find common ground, and work towards a brighter future.”
The race to succeed Feinstein, who died Sept. 29 at age 90, is already one of the costliest contests of the 2024 cycle, if not ever.
Representatives Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee have jumped into the race on the Democratic side.
“Our campaign is focused on issues of quality of life, public safety and education,” Garvey said in a statement.Getty Images
Under California’s primary system, the top two vote-getters will run in the November general election, even if both are from the same party.
The so-called “jungle primary” system means Garvey can be eliminated from the race even if he gets the most votes of any other Republican candidate.
That’s what happened in 2016, when then-California Attorney General Kamala Harris fended off Rep. Loretta Sanchez, a fellow Democrat, to win a Senate seat.
Former EMILY’s List President Laphonza Butler has been sworn in as Feinstein’s fill-in after being appointed to the seat by Gavin Newsom.
Steve Garvey slides into third base during the 1977 World Series. Focus on Sports via Getty Images Garvey slides into home against Yankees catcher Thurman Munson in the 1977 World Series. Getty Images
Butler also has the option to run for the seat as well.
California’s first game is scheduled for March 5 next year.
Nationally, heading into the 2024 election cycle, Senate Democrats find themselves facing an unfavorable map.
They have to defend 20 seats plus the three held by the independent Democratic party.
Republicans only need to protect 11.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
