I’m running because I love this state: Steve Garvey
California Senate candidate Steve Garvey shares why he is running for the open seat on ‘Special Report.’
Baseball legend Steve Garvey has edged ahead of U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff in California's U.S. Senate primary.
As of Wednesday morning, Garvey, a former 10-time MLB All-Star, led Schiff by an incredibly slim margin of just 4,801 votes with more than 5 million votes tallied — about 85% of expected returns.
"As California's votes are counted, it's clear that our message of unity, common sense, and compassion resonates across the state," Garvey said. "I am deeply honored by the trust and support shown in these preliminary results.
Despite millions being spent against Garvey in the state's most expensive U.S. Senate primary election, Garvey's trajectory is remaining competitive to finish in first place.
Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, left, and Republican challenger Steve Garvey are likely to face off against one another in California's Senate election in November. (Getty Images)
"I'm energized by our campaign's momentum and ready for the challenge ahead," Garvey said. "I look forward to a spirited campaign on the critical issues facing us."
Schiff, one of the leading Democrats in the U.S. House, will face Garvey, a Republican, in November to determine who succeeds the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. California also puts all candidates, regardless of party, on the same primary ballot, and the two who get the most votes advance to the general election. Among the other big names on the ballot were Reps. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee, both Democrats.
Garvey has campaigned on a platform highlighting crime and homelessness in the state, pledging to get the issues under control. Schiff has taken a more progressive stance.
"One of my focuses is going to be getting back to taking care of these veterans, men and women, who sacrificed their lives for our country and not dismiss them once they're out of service or trying to get back into society," Garvey told Fox News Digital. (Steve Garvey)
A Republican hasn’t been elected to represent California in the U.S. Senate since Pete Wilson in 1988, when he won re-election over Leo T. McCarthy. Wilson stepped down when he became governor of California in 1991 and appointed John Seymour to serve in his place.
Feinstein defeated Seymour in the state's 1992 election and held the seat until her death in September. Laphonza Butler was appointed to serve out the remainder of Feinstein’s term.
Garvey said his campaign is about bringing together Californians from all walks of life to address shared challenges.
Schiff and Garvey are vying for the California Senate seat formerly held by the late Sen. Diane Feinstein. (Getty Images)
"I will continue to listen, learn, and lead with compassion and work to build consensus on the real issues that matter to our communities. Thank you to everyone who believes in the California comeback, together, we will make that vision a reality," Garvey said.
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The race will not be finalized until all mail-in ballots are counted, including ballots postmarked on March 5.
Fox News Digital's Kyle Morris and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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