By Lucian KUGLER

California is gearing up for the 2024 elections, and the buzz surrounding the upcoming race is already palpable. With Adam Schiff’s announcement that he is running for a seat in the US Senate, the congressional seat for California’s 30th District is up for grabs for the first time in 20 years.

So far, three recognizable names are already on the ballot in the US Senate race – Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee, all with the Democratic party.

Schiff has been a representative for the 30th District since 2013 and is a well-known figure in California politics as well – both in the House of Representatives and on the national stage. He has been a strong advocate for causes like healthcare and environmental protection, and has sponsored or co-sponsored several important bills during his time in Congress. Schiff is perhaps best known for his role in leading the House Intelligence Committee’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, which resulted in the impeachment of former President Trump. He has also been a vocal critic of the Trump Administration policies on issues like immigration and foreign affairs and has worked to promote transparency and accountability in government.

Katie Porter has quickly made a name for herself as a rising star in the Democratic party. Since her election in 2018, she has been a strong advocate for consumer protections, economic justice and healthcare reform. Porter has sponsored or co-sponsored several important bills, including the Pandemic Anti-Monopoly Act and the College Affordability Act, and has been a vocal critic of “corporate greed” and government corruption. She currently represents California’s 45^th District in the House of Representatives, and has made headlines for her tough questioning of CEOs during congressional hearings.

Barbara Lee has been a prominent figure in California politics for several decades. She currently represents California’s 13^th District in the House of Representatives and has been a strong advocate for causes like social justice, healthcare and education. Lee was the only member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for Use of Military Force after the Sept. 11^th attacks, citing concerns about the potential for endless war and the erosion of civil liberties. She has also been a vocal critic of the Trump Administration policies on issues like immigration and healthcare, and has worked to promote legislation aimed at reducing poverty and inequality.

Other candidates running for the Senate seat who have filed for the Nov. 5, 2024 election include: Jeremy Fennell (D), Carson Franklin Jr. (D), Raji Rad (D), Jessica Resendez (D), James P. Bradley (R), Denice Gary-Pandol (R), Roxanne Lawler (R), Peter Yuan Liu (R), Barack Obama Mandela (R), John Pappenheim (R), Paul Anderson (G), Fepbrina Keivaulqe Autiameineire (Vienmerisce Veittemeignzce USA), Dana Bobbitt (I) and Frank Ferreira (I).

With Schiff vacating his congressional seat to run for Senate, there are several potential candidates vying for the opportunity to replace him.

Anthony Portantino is a California State Senator representing the 25^th District who is well known in the CV area. He has been a strong advocate for issues like education, healthcare and environmental protection throughout his career, sponsoring several key pieces of legislation aimed at improving the lives of Californians. He previously served as a member of the California State Assembly, where he chaired the Committee on Higher Education and worked to make college more affordable and accessible for students.

Another candidate, also well known in the CV area, for the seat is Laura Friedman, a California State Assembly member previously representing the 43^rd District, now representing the 44th, which encompasses several cities in Los Angeles County. She has been a vocal advocate for issues like affordable housing, environmental protection and women’s rights, sponsoring several key pieces of legislation during her time in office. Friedman previously served on the Glendale City Council, where she championed policies aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion.

Ben Savage (D), a lawyer and actor from the 1990s show “Boy Meets World,” is another potential candidate for Schiff’s seat. Savage has been involved in California politics for several years, though has not held elected office. He gained a reputation as a political activist by advocating for issues like LGBTQ+ rights and criminal justice reform.

Mike Feuer (D) is also running for the seat and is well known as the former Los Angeles City attorney from 2013 to 2022. He served from 2006 to 2012 in the California State Assembly representing District 42; prior to that he served on the LA City Council from 1995 to 2001.

Other candidates for District 30 Congressional seat are: Joshua Bocanegra (D), Maebe A. Girl (D), Nick Melvoin (D), Sepi Shyne (D) and Patrick Gipson (R).

As the election approaches, the candidates will be working hard to secure endorsements and drum up support from voters. With so many high-profile names already in the mix the race is sure to be closely watched by political observers across the state.

There may be more candidates to consider as the filing deadline for all candidates is Dec. 8, 2023.