Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Republican candidate Steve Garvey are now in a statistical tie in California’s nonpartisan Senate primary, polling released Friday shows.
The poll from the Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) at the University of California, Berkeley found Garvey with 27 percent support and Schiff at 25 percent.
Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) came in outside of the top-two with 19 percent, while Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) trailed with just 8 percent.
In California’s nonpartisan primary system, the top two vote-getters will advance to a runoff in November, regardless of party affiliation. The candidates are looking to fill the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s (D) vacancy, which is currently being filled by temporary appointee Sen. Laphonza Butler (D).
Schiff, who has been leading in other polling over the last few weeks, has appeared to try to elevate Garvey — since spectators say a Democrat-Republican showdown would be easier for Schiff to win than a battle between lawmakers in the same party.
The IGS poll notes a “large increase” in support for Garvey over the last several weeks, and he fares even better in the partial-term race on the California ballot.
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