A multi-time All-Star who won the National League’s Most Valuable Player award in 1974, Garvey played for the Dodgers and San Diego Padres — making him an icon in California’s populous and Republican swath.
Name recognition increases the chances of unifying Republican voters. So far the only GOP candidate — Eric Early — has run for attorney general in 2022, but has never held elected office.
Three House Democrats are already running: Adam Schiff; Katie Porter; and Barbara Lee.
Word of Garvey’s candidacy has been circulating among California Republicans for years.
The former major leaguer has repeatedly floated the idea of running for the US Senate. While a much-admired athlete, Garvey received negative publicity in 1989 when two women claimed they had become pregnant while having an affair with him. At the time of the report, he was married to a third woman. He did not deny the allegations and promised to take responsibility for any offspring, and said his new wife was aware of the situation.
California’s majority of Democratic voters ensure Feinstein will be replaced by a Democrat. But the state’s primary system, which allows the top two vote-getters to advance to the general election regardless of party, complicates the path. A strong Republican effort could mean a Democratic advance.
As happened in 2016 and 2018, two Democrats could hold the November 2018 election. That’s less likely if Republicans, who make up a quarter of the state’s electorate, unite behind Garvey or another Republican party.
“Democrats can split the vote because they have room to work,” said Matt Fleming, a Republican consultant. “Republicans have no room to work.”
