LOS ANGELES — Voters in California are heading to the polls today to select a new senator to fill the vacancy left by the late Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein. The election has seen a somewhat subdued atmosphere, primarily focused around Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff, who has emerged as the frontrunner in the race.

With the Democratic Party eyeing a solid hold on the Senate amid a year filled with key elections, they are heavily favored to retain this Senate seat in the state, where no Republican has won a Senate race since 1988, a time when Ronald Reagan occupied the White House. Schiff, a congressman from the Los Angeles area, gained national recognition as the leading prosecutor during Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial. His campaign has consistently maintained significant advantages in both financial backing and polling metrics compared to his main opponent, former baseball player Steve Garvey.

This election marks a significant moment for California’s political landscape, which has been led for decades by figures such as Feinstein, former Senator Barbara Boxer, and former Governor Jerry Brown, among others. For the first time in over thirty years, the state will lack female representation in the Senate.

Schiff’s campaign has focused on critical national matters, such as reproductive rights, while he continues to draw contrasts with Trump, labeling him as a threat to democracy. Additionally, Schiff has highlighted his extensive experience in Congress, having first been elected in 2000, as a distinct advantage over Garvey, who is venturing into politics for the first time. Garvey presents himself as an outsider prepared to address long-standing issues in California, including homelessness, inflation, and rising housing costs.

Garvey, who enjoyed a successful career as a baseball MVP and All-Star with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres, describes himself as a “conservative moderate.” This self-identification seems aimed at appealing to independent voters and moderate Democrats in a state where Democrats significantly outnumber Republicans. Registered Republicans are nearly two-to-one behind Democrats in California.

While many competitive races across the country could sway control of the Senate, this particular contest has not received extensive attention. The Republican Party has faced ongoing challenges in California, although it continues to maintain some influence in rural regions, the Central Valley farming area, and specific parts of Southern California.

Currently, Democrats occupy every statewide office and have a strong majority in the Legislature and congressional representation. The last statewide victory for the Republican Party in California dates back to 2006. In a strategic move, Garvey has escalated his advertising efforts towards Latino voters, who account for approximately 25% of likely voters in California.

Senator Feinstein, known for her centrist policies, was elected to the Senate in 1992 and passed away at the age of 90 in September 2023. Following her death, Laphonza Butler, a prominent Democratic figure and former labor leader, was appointed to fill the Senate seat but has opted not to run for a full term this election cycle.