Schiff forced to attend San Francisco fundraiser in casual clothes after luggage stolen

Thieves in San Francisco allegedly broke into the car of California Senate hopeful Adam Schiff on Thursday night and stole his luggage, forcing him to attend a fancy fundraiser severely under-dressed.

San Francisco has witnessed a soaring crime rate in recent years, and has garnered a reputation for car thefts in its downtown region. Local authorities have even cracked down on the smash-and-grab break-ins by having officers patrol in plain clothing and using bait cars to catch thieves in action, according to SFGate. 

Schiff, who currently represents California in the House of Representatives, acknowledged the theft in a comment to the San Francisco Chronicle at Thursday's fundraiser but remained focused on his supporters, including Bay Area attorney Joe Cotchett.

“Yes, they took my bags,” Schiff said. “But I’m here to thank Joe.”

The congressman said he was told not to leave anything in his car at the downtown garage, but was in a hurry and did not want to be late for an appearance somewhere else. He was forced to attend the dinner party fundraiser in a casual shirt, a hiking vest, and a pair of grey pants, while other guests wore suits.

Cotchett appeared impressed with the way the congressman responded to the theft, praising his resilience. 

"Adam really showed himself tonight," Cotchett said. "He’ll be a great senator — he’s going to change the Senate tremendously."

Schiff is considered the frontrunner to replace the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein in November, after coming first in the primary on March 5. He will face former baseball star Steve Garvey in the general election.