Wave Staff and Wire Reports
LOS ANGELES — U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, who chaired the House Intelligence Committee during impeachment proceedings against former President Donald Trump, has announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat held by Dianne Feinstein, who has not yet stated whether she will be stepping down at the end of her current term next year.
Feinstein, 89, has held the seat since 1992.
“We’re in the fight of our lives for the future of our country,” said Schiff, whose 30th Congressional District includes West Hollywood, Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena, said in a statement announcing his bid. “Our democracy is under assault from … extremists who care only about gaining power and keeping it. And our economy is simply not working for millions of Americans, who are working harder than ever just to get by.
“And at this moment, we need a fighter for our democracy and our families, which is why I’m launching my campaign to be the next U.S. senator for California.”
Schiff is the second prominent Democratic member of Congress to announce a bid for Feinstein’s seat. Rep. Katie Porter, D-Irvine, announced her candidacy earlier last month.
Schiff, 62, is in his 11th term in the House of Representatives. He was first elected to Congress in 2000.
“We need a fighter in the U.S. Senate who has been at the center of the struggle for our democracy and our economy,” Schiff said. “To achieve universal health care for all Americans. To protect our environment, while creating millions of new green jobs by tracking the climate crisis head-on.
“To work tirelessly to protect our democracy by getting money out of politics and expanding the right to vote. To fight for workers, working families and the middle class. To build affordable housing and keep people safe. To protect our rights. To deliver.”
Schiff’s announcement Jan. 26 came a day after he was removed by Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from the House Intelligence Committee.
“The fight for our democracy and working families is part of the same struggle,” Schiff said. “Because if our democracy isn’t delivering for Americans, they’ll look for alternatives, like a dangerous demagogue who promises that he alone can fix it,” Schiff said, making a less than subtle reference to Trump.
Schiff’s announcement that he was running for Senate touched off a rush of candidates announcing plans to seek Schiff’s seat in the 2024 state primary election.
Among those entering the race were state Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Glendale, and former Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer.
Six other Democrats have submitted paperwork to seek the seat, which Schiff has held since 2000.
Also seeking the seat are Los Angeles Unified School District board member Nick Melvoin, Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, D-Glendale, and actor Ben Savage.
