The final debate among candidates vying for California’s U.S. Senate seat, previously held by the late Dianne Feinstein, escalated into a heated exchange on Tuesday as they traded verbal blows ahead of the March 5 primary.
During the debate, Rep. Katie Porter, a Democrat representing California, directed much of her criticism toward fellow Democrat Rep. Adam Schiff, who currently leads in polls as a frontrunner candidate.
Porter seized the opportunity to scrutinize Schiff’s congressional record, highlighting instances where he did not support bills aimed at reducing childcare costs or providing rental assistance, despite voicing support for such policies during his campaign.
California Senate Candidates (Credits: CalMatters)
She emphasized what she perceived as a disconnect between Schiff’s actions as a congressman and his promises as a candidate, labeling it as “the gap between congressman Schiff and candidate Schiff.”
Schiff, in response, launched a counterattack against Porter, accusing her of receiving significant financial contributions from Wall Street bankers, as well as individuals in the oil and pharmaceutical industries.
This accusation marked a significant turning point in the debate as it shifted the focus to campaign financing and potential conflicts of interest.
The exchange underscored the intensity of the race for California’s U.S. Senate seat, with candidates fiercely defending their records and casting doubt on their opponents’ integrity.
As the primary date approaches, tensions among candidates continue to rise, reflecting the high stakes involved in securing one of the state’s most coveted political positions.
