Schiff heads into 2024 with $35 million war chest for California Senate bid

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) reported a whopping $6.3 million fundraising haul during the fourth quarter, giving the California Senate candidate nearly $35 million cash on hand as he faces a crowded primary field this spring.

The fundraising came from more than 93,000 donors making over 182,000 contributions, according to Schiff’s campaign. The latest report shores up his financial position against the other Democratic challengers for the Senate seat once held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

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“Thanks to yet another strong showing of support from our grassroots supporters, we brought in nearly $6.3 million this quarter,” said Brad Elkins, Schiff’s campaign manager. “As we approach primary day, it’s crystal clear that Californians recognize Adam as the champion they need in the U.S. Senate to address the cost of living, defend our democracy, and fight for an economy that works for everyone.”

The haul is slightly below the $6.4 million Schiff raised in the third quarter of last year, which far surpassed that of his Democratic challengers Katie Porter, who raised $3.4 million, and Barbara Lee, who raised about $1 million. It’s not yet clear how much the latter two raised in the fourth quarter of 2023. The Washington Examiner reached out to both campaigns for comment.

The California Senate race is not expected to be competitive for Republicans, meaning it’s likely the Democrat with the most votes will secure the seat. The state’s primary election is scheduled for March 5, during which voters will cast their ballots for all candidates regardless of party, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election in November.

The three-way fight among Democrats could open the door for Republican candidate and former Dodgers player Steve Garvey, although it’s unlikely he’d win the seat even if he did advance to the November ballot.

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Schiff holds an early lead in polling for the Senate seat, garnering 28% of likely voters, according to a Politico/Morning Consult survey conducted in December. That leaves the remaining three candidates in a battle for second place, with Garvey receiving 19% support, followed closely by Porter with 17% and Lee at 14%.

The election marks the first time the Senate seat has been open since Feinstein was first elected in 1992. Feinstein died in late September, just over a year before her term was set to expire. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) later appointed Laphonza Butler to carry out the remainder of Feinstein’s term, although the longtime political activist said she would not enter the race to win the seat for a full term.