In the upcoming November elections, former baseball star and Republican Steve Garvey will face off against Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by the late Dianne Feinstein.

Schiff’s Victory Speech Interrupted

Schiff’s victory speech Tuesday night was interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters chanting “Free Palestine,” “Ceasefire now,” and “Let Gaza live.”

The incident highlights the challenges he’ll face in navigating the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Although some demonstrators were escorted out, others were dispersed among the audience, compelling Schiff to initially attempt to talk over the noise. Schiff, a Jewish congressman, has been a vocal supporter of Israel’s right to self-defense but recently endorsed the Biden administration’s call for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza.

Congressman Adam Schiff takes the stage in Hollywood “It looks like we’re going to the general!” – but a group of roughly 20+ “ceasefire now” protesters interrupts Schiff and he has paused his remarks….trying to talk over them, but having a difficult time @ABC7 pic.twitter.com/111WGKcOZy

— Josh Haskell (@abc7JoshHaskell) March 6, 2024

Garvey’s Victory Celebration and Campaign Promises

Garvey celebrated his victory in his hometown of Palm Desert, promising a campaign that would address inflation, homelessness, and rising crime rates. Despite the state’s Democratic leanings, Garvey warned Schiff not to underestimate him. The upcoming election marks a new era in California politics, long dominated by Feinstein and a few other veteran politicians.

The winner of the November election will serve the remainder of Feinstein’s term, which ends in early January. The race is the first open U.S. Senate contest in California since 2016. Despite the state’s Democratic majority, Garvey hopes to follow in the footsteps of other famous athletes-turned-politicians like former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Read more at The Times of Israel.