Democratic super political action committees have set their sights on the Senate race to replace retiring Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) — and candidates are already jockeying to make sure they have the biggest war chest.
There are three main Democratic candidates already in the race: Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Adam Schiff, and Rep. Katie Porter. Super PACs have already been formed for Lee and Schiff, while the groundwork is being set for one for Porter, Politico reported. The race is already being forecast as one of the most expensive Senate races ever.
SCHIFF NARROWLY LEADS PORTER IN CALIFORNIA SENATE RACE: POLL
“I do believe this race is going to be probably one of the most expensive Senate races ever,” said Ann Ravel, a former chairwoman of the Federal Election Commission and California Fair Political Practices Commission. “Each super PAC is going to want to assure that their candidate is the one who has enough money.”
Though Feinstein didn't announce her retirement until last week, Democratic operatives had been working behind the scenes for months while an announcement was expected, raising tens of millions before her announcement. Schiff, an expected front-runner, went above and beyond to get ahead of the pack.
“Schiff was very aggressive,” an anonymous opposition researcher said. “He’s trying to lock up all the talent.”
Notably, Schiff has secured the support of Bearstar Strategies, a blue-chip California consulting firm, which had helped get Porter elected in 2018. Other notable clients of the firm are Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Bearstar Strategies's familiarity with Porter could give Schiff a crucial edge, as it is well aware of her weaknesses, experts said.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“They are going to be very familiar with all her vulnerabilities, and that’s usually the job of a super PAC, is to negatively define an opponent,” Rob Stutzman, a California-based Republican political consultant, told Politico.
Due to California's large size, statewide political campaigns are more expensive than usual. The size of the state and the importance of Senate control means the race is set to be one of the most heated for 2024.