Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Steve Garvey enjoyed a 19-year MLB career that included 14 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the 10-time All-Star remains involved in baseball, he now has his sights on a new venture.
The 74-year-old has long been interested in politics despite never holding elected office. In 1981, Garvey was approached about running for the U.S. Senate, and he also has attended the Republican National Convention on several occasions.
Garvey is now considering a run for the open U.S. Senate seat in California as a Republican, via Seema Mehta of the L.A. Times:
Former Los Angeles Dodgers icon Steve Garvey is considering running for the open U.S. Senate seat in California as a Republican, a move that would immediately upend the 2024 race, according to several GOP state party insiders and operatives who requested anonymity to discuss the former All-Star’s plans.
While Garvey is leaning toward running as a Republican, there are Democratic leaders trying to convince him to represent their party instead:
“He is being contacted by leaders up and down the state. They’re recruiting him to run from both sides, Republican and Democrat, and he’s seriously considering it,” said Gharakhani, executive director of the Los Angeles chapter of New Majority, an influential business-minded donor group. “We should have a decision made here in the next few weeks.”
California has an open seat due to longtime Senator Dianne Feinstein announcing she will not seek re-election in 2024 because of health problems.
Garvey faces difficult odds if he decides to run as a Republican as no GOP candidate has won statewide office in California since 2006.
If Garvey decides to run, it is believed he will focus on quality-of-life issues such as the cost of living and public safety in California.
Steve Garvey received Rawlings Gold Glove Legacy Award
Garvey was honored with the Rawlings Gold Glove Legacy Award this past November, which is “dedicated to someone whose legacy has made a lasting impact on the game of baseball.”
Garvey won a Gold Glove Award in four consecutive seasons from 1974-77. During his time with the San Diego Padres, Garvey set an MLB record by not committing an error for 150 games in a row during the 1984 season.
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