OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Rep. Adam Schiff has made his decision about the future of his career. The Democrat will be campaigning for the Senate seat of California Democrat Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who has not announced her retirement.
“Our democracy is at great risk. Because GOP leaders care more about power than anything else. And because our economy isn’t working for millions of hard-working Americans. We’re in the fight of our lives—a fight I’m ready to lead as California’s next U.S. Senator,” he said in a tweet.
“We’re in the fight of our lives—a fight I’m ready to lead as California’s next U.S. Senator,” he said in a video shared to Twitter in which he made his announcement.
He shared a montage of himself being attacked by former President Donald Trump and various Fox News personalities.
He then bragged about impeaching former President Trump and showed a montage of left-wing personalities praising the job he did.
Our democracy is at great risk. Because GOP leaders care more about power than anything else.
And because our economy isn’t working for millions of hard working Americans.
We’re in the fight of our lives—a fight I’m ready to lead as California’s next U.S. Senator. pic.twitter.com/H0Pa0EhhMu
— Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) January 26, 2023
“The Senate is where many of these fights over the future of our democracy take place,” he said in an interview with The Los Angeles Times prior to his campaign launch. “Some of Donald Trump’s biggest enablers are in the Senate. And I think that is where I can most effectively champion our democratic institutions.”
“I have just tremendous respect for (Sen. Feinstein) and — more than respect — admiration and affection,” he said, mentioning that he informed her of his decision before making the announcement.
“I think she will make her own decision about an announcement when she feels ready to do so,” the representative said. “She’s earned that right, and I certainly respect her to do that whenever she determines the time is right.”
But he already has a challenger for the spot as his fellow Democrat announced her intentions to campaign for Senate before he did.
Democrat Rep. Katie Porter has announced her intention to campaign for the Senate seat held by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 89, who would be older than 90 for the next Senate election and is predicted by many to be retiring,” Fox News reported.
“California needs a warrior in the Senate—to stand up to special interests, fight the dangerous imbalance in our economy, and hold so-called leaders like Mitch McConnell accountable for rigging our democracy. Today, I’m proud to announce my candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2024,” she said in a tweet with her announcement video.
“We’re living through a time of extraordinary change. I’m Katie Porter. Change can be electrifying and exhilarating, but change can also be disruptive — like the constant assault on our democracy and the dangerous imbalance in our economy,” she said in the video.
“The threat from so-called leaders like Mitch McConnell has to often made the United States Senate the place where rights get revoked, special interests get rewarded, and our democracy gets rigged, especially in times like these,” she said.
“I don’t do Congress the way others often do,” she said. “I use whatever power I have to speak hard truths to the powers that be.”
California needs a warrior in the Senate—to stand up to special interests, fight the dangerous imbalance in our economy, and hold so-called leaders like Mitch McConnell accountable for rigging our democracy.
Today, I'm proud to announce my candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2024. pic.twitter.com/X1CSE8T12B
— Katie Porter (@katieporteroc) January 10, 2023
But it was last month when Rep. Schiff hinted that he wanted to campaign for that position, but was waiting for a decision by Sen. Feinstein.
During an appearance on KTTA’s “The Issue Is,” host Elex Michaelson asked Schiff about campaigning for a spot in the U.S. Senate, Breitbart News reported.
“It is widely expected that California Senator Dianne Feinstein, who is 89, will retire at the end of her term. You have expressed interest in that job. Is there any reason you would not run for Senate?” the host asked.
“Well, I’m not usually asked the question in that form. You know, look, I am getting a lot of encouragement to run for the Senate from people in California and colleagues here in Congress. If Senator Feinstein retires, then I will give it very serious consideration. You know, at this point, I think we’re waiting to see what Senator Feinstein has to say about her plans, but yes, it is something I’m giving serious consideration to,” Schiff responded.
