In the 2024 Senate primary on Super Tuesday in California, voters who chose Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff and Republican Steve Garvey identified the cost of living as the most pressing issue, according to CBS News exit polls.
Schiff, a Democratic front-runner, emerged victorious in the primary, besting several other Democrats, including Reps. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee.
On the Republican side, Garvey, a former professional baseball star, entered the Senate race in October and secured his spot as the Republican candidate. Both Schiff and Garvey are vying to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
The cost of living was a dominant concern among California voters, reflecting broader economic anxieties and challenges facing the state. Issues related to housing affordability, healthcare costs, and overall economic stability were likely key factors driving voter preferences.
California has long grappled with some of the highest housing costs in the nation, particularly in major urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco. The rising cost of housing has led to concerns about affordability and access to affordable housing for many Californians.
Healthcare costs are also a significant concern for voters in California and across the country. Many Californians struggle to afford health insurance premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs, leading to worries about accessing quality healthcare.
Economic stability, including concerns about job security, wage growth, and the overall state of the economy, likely influenced voters’ choices in the Senate primary.
California’s economy is one of the largest in the world, but many residents face economic challenges, including income inequality and job insecurity.
Other issues, such as climate change, immigration, and healthcare, were also on the minds of California voters as they cast their ballots for their new senator. These issues reflect the diverse and complex challenges facing the state and the nation.