MLB: Former National League MVP to Enter California Senate Race

Steve Garvey - Atlanta Braves v Los Angeles Dodgers

(Photo : Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CA - Former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Steve Garvey takes the field against the New York Yankees for an Old Timers game before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 8, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.

Steve Garvey, a former baseball star renowned for his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres, has officially announced his candidacy in the 2024 elections for a U.S. Senate seat in California on Tuesday, October 10.

The 74-year-old will run as a Republican and aims to potentially fill the vacancy left by the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, who passed away last month and has occupied the seat for more than three decades.

"Our campaign is focused on quality-of-life issues, public safety and education. As a U.S. senator, I will serve with common sense, compassion, and will work to build consensus to benefit all of the people of California," the former MLB star said in a statement announcing his Senate run.

It's noteworthy that no Republican has won a U.S. Senate seat in California through election since 1988.

Steve Garvey enjoyed a long MLB career

Garvey had a career spanning 19 seasons as a first baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB), with his initial 14 seasons notably spent with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He earned eight MLB All-Star selections in a row from 1974 to 1981 and won the National League Most Valuable Player award in 1974.

The Senate aspirant also received four consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1974 to 1977 for his outstanding defensive play at the first base position.

Garvey signed for the San Diego Padres before the 1983 MLB season, earning two more All-Star game appearances and an NLCS MVP. The Padres retired his number 6 jersey.