Schiff leads California Senate race by 9 points: poll

California Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff has emerged as the frontrunner in a crowded Senate race.

Left vacant by the death of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D, the seat is currently held by Sen. Laphonza Butler, D, whom Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, appointed to serve the remainder of her term. Butler is not seeking election to a full term.

Schiff earned the support of 28% of likely voters in a recent Politico/Morning Consult survey. Republican Steve Garvey placed second with 19%, while Democratic Rep. Katie Porter earned 17% and Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee earned 14%. No other candidate earned double digit support.

California's March primary is an open contest wherein the top two vote getters, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the November general election.

Conducted Dec. 15-19, the survey questioned 858 likely voters and has a margin-of-error of +/- 3%.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.