(NEXSTAR) – The future is bright for Republican congressional candidates in California, an upbeat Shawn Steel told Nexstar at the Republican National Convention Tuesday.
“We gained five seats in the last two elections, five net [seats],” the 77-year-old former state GOP chair and current RNC sergeant of arms told Nexstar. “We’re on track for getting two more. We could be getting four more.”
Steel highlighted gains in the Central Valley, where more than 60% of registered voters are Latino, according to Cal Matters. Steel says the area has been “trending Trump for years.”
Steve Garvey to face off against Adam Schiff
Despite recently out-raising Democrat Adam Schiff in the race for a Senate seat, former star baseball player Steve Garvey still faces a tough climb, trailing by more than 20 points in recent polls, according to The Mercury News.
Steel called Garvey a “great champion” and said his chances are improving, but acknowledged the race is still “upside down.”
“He presents a happy, identifiable, pleasant image,” Steel said of Garvey. “He’s calm, he’s helped my wife, (California GOP Rep.) Michelle Steel at a congressional fundraiser.”
In order to turn the tide, the GOP veteran strategist noted, more Trump voters who have never voted will have to turn out.
“We’re going to see a higher turnout on those low propensity voters and the Democrats are discouraged,” Steel said.