Steve Garvey, baseball legend and Palm Desert resident, announces bid for U.S. Senate seat in California
Former Los Angeles Dodgers legend Steve Garvey formally announced a run for the US Senate in California Tuesday morning.
The Palm Desert resident is running for the seat left open by the late Senator Dianne Feinstein.
Garvey, 74, has been talking to party leaders and donors for several months about a potential bid for office.
Garvey joined News Channel 3's Karen Devine for a one-on-one interview live in studio on Tuesday where he discussed his decision to run despite never having held a political office.
"I think California has been a malaise. Nobody really wants to step up and fight the good fight. They know how daunting it is, and I said, well, maybe I can ask a few questions," Garvey said.
"Well, what would be the answers to some of your questions? What do you bring to the table?" Karen asked Garvey.
"Number one, is there a pathway for someone who is conservative or moderate in this state after all these years of progressive dominance," Garvey answered.
The Los Angeles Times reports Garvey decided to make it official after a Giants fan came up to him and said he hated the Dodgers but he'd vote for him anyway.
A campaign statement said Garvey's efforts have not been exclusively focused on the field. He succeeded Frank Sinatra as the National Campaign Chairman of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. In Addition, he assists in a variety of other causes: Special Olympics, Juvenile Diabetes, The Blind Children Center, The Sisters of Carondelet, United Way, Ronald McDonald House, St. Vincent DePaul Center, Pediatrics AIDS, the Starlight Foundation, and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Garvey also finds the time to hold positions on numerous civic committees and corporate boards.
"I've been fortunate to wear many hats in my life – from professional athlete to businessman to philanthropist. But the one thing that has remained consistent is my love for this great state and my desire to make a difference," Garvey said. "In baseball, it's not about the individual; it's about the team. I believe the same holds true for politics. It's time we come together, find common ground, and work towards a brighter future."
Garvey played as a first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres from 1969 to 1987, was a 10-time All-Star, National League Most Valuable Player in 1974, and National League Championship Series MVP in 1978 and 1984. He was part of the Dodgers' infield that won four National League pennants and one World Series championship in 1981.
Three Democrats, Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee, are also competing for the seat that opened when Feinstein announced earlier this year she would not run for another term in office.
Laphonza Butler was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to finish Feinstein's current term.
She has not announced whether she might also run for a full term.
