In a surprising turn of events, the California Senate race, initially expected to be a generational clash among prominent Democrats, has been significantly influenced by former President Donald Trump. According to recent developments, Rep. Adam Schiff, known for his high-profile role in the Trump resistance, has emerged as the front-runner ahead of Tuesday’s primary.
Schiff strategically brought Trump into the center of the campaign, leveraging the urgency and fear surrounding the former president. Trump’s direct involvement, including name-calling and social media posts, played into Schiff’s hands, making him the target of Trump allies and enhancing his profile as a key figure in the anti-Trump movement.
Republican Never Trump strategist, Mike Madrid, highlighted Trump’s impact on the Democratic primary, stating that Trump essentially determined the Democrat to emerge as the primary frontrunner when he attacked Schiff. This turn of events has made Schiff the focal point of Trump opposition, a position that resonates strongly with Democratic primary voters.
Schiff’s history, as a former assistant U.S. attorney who gained national attention during the Clinton impeachment and later as the House’s lead prosecutor in the first Trump impeachment, has been pivotal to his recent success. His transformation from a fiscal moderate with Blue Dog Coalition credentials to a progressive mainstay aligned with anti-Trump sentiments has been noteworthy.
Trump’s influence on Schiff’s campaign is evident in the staggering fundraising amount of nearly $32 million, almost double that of any other Senate candidate nationally this cycle. Schiff’s ability to dominate the airwaves, even promoting his Republican opponent Steve Garvey, showcases the impact of Trump’s shadow on the California Senate race.
The race has also witnessed Schiff consolidating support from prominent Democrats, including House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who selected him for the impeachment assignment. Despite being a white, straight, and mellow man in his early 60s running in a liberal and diverse state, Schiff successfully blended traditional political courtship with a substantial anti-Trump campaign fund.
The California Senate race underscores the enduring power of a Trump resistance hero, potentially signaling a decline in the influence of Elizabeth Warren-style politics in the state. Schiff’s opponent, Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, focused on an outsider, corporate crusader message, but Schiff’s adept use of Trump opposition may have overshadowed her strategy.
As the primary approaches, Schiff’s success highlights the resonance of his message as one of America’s premier Trump fighters. The race’s outcome could potentially shape the future of California politics and the influence of Trump in the state’s electoral landscape.
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