Former Los Angeles Dodgers player Steve Garvey speaks to KTLA’s John Fenoglio about running for the California Senate as a Republican in a blue state.
Garvey, who is vying for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat, acknowledges his journey is an uphill battle that won’t be easy.
“I want to be the next senator from California,“ Garvey said. “I think I can make a difference. I knew that the disparity between registered Democrats and Republicans was significant, but I did start to hear from Independents and people who were undecided about the next election.”
Garvey, 75, grew up outside California but moved to the Golden State when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968.
In a career that spanned nearly two decades, Garvey played with the Dodgers until 1982 before moving south to play with the San Diego Padres.
He does not have a career in elected office and his political involvement, until now, largely involved fundraising for other candidates, according to CalMatters.
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Former Los Angeles Dodgers star Steve Garvey throws out a ceremonial first pitch before the Dodgers take on the Atlanta Braves in Game Four of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 7, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) -
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Steve Garvey, center right, hugs his wife Candace standing next to his sons Ryan, left, and Sean during his election night party, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Palm Desert, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) -
From left: California Congressman Adam Schiff and former Los Angeles Dodgers player Steve Garvey. -
Former baseball player Steve Garvey listens at a televised debate for candidates in the senate race to succeed the late California Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Jan. 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. Several prominent Democratic House members are jostling to fend off Republican former baseball great Steve Garvey in the fight for the U.S. Senate seat once held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) -
El Monte, CA – February 27:Steve Garvey, US Senate candidate speaks to the media at a press conference on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Garvey, a former Los Angeles Dodger, received the endorsement of the El Monte Police. Garvey and Democrat Adam Schiff are the current front-runners in the March 5th Primary Election for the US Senate Seat. (Photo by David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)
As a political outsider, Garvey has focused on addressing violent crime, homelessness and “failing schools” while citing his personal inspirations as the Pope and Ronald Regan.
Garvey formerly voted for and supported Donald Trump in 2016.
When asked whether he would still support Trump for the 2024 presidential election, he replied, “If it was right now, I would vote for him. I think that he’s the most capable of the two candidates at this time. I actually feel sorry for President Biden at this point and we need somebody that’s clear of mind. Somebody that’s able to make quick decisions.”
Garvey is running against Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff from Burbank, who is leading in the polls and in fundraising.
“I am a Conservative and I’m willing to work with everyone for the good of the people,” Garvey said. “I am running for all the people and politicians are running for half the people. My opponents voted 97-98 percent down party lines. I made the pledge I would never vote 97-98 percent party lines because there’s bound to be situations and instances where we come together.”
The 2024 United States Senate elections in California will be held on Nov. 5.