Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) said he is giving “serious” consideration to a run for Senate.
Such an endeavor could raise Schiff’s profile even higher after the congressman established himself as a leading Trump foe on the national stage while serving as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, impeachment manager, and member of the January 6 Committee.
During a recent interview with “The Issue Is,” a program that airs on FOX 11 Los Angeles, Schiff said he is getting positive feedback on a prospective Senate campaign, but stressed that the determining factor will be whether Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) seeks another term in 2024.
“I am getting a lot of encouragement to run for the Senate from people in California and colleagues here in Congress,” Schiff said in the interview that aired Friday. “If Sen. Feinstein retires, then I will give it very serious consideration.”
He added: “It’s a great responsibility, and in terms of continuing the work I’ve been doing to protect our democracy and fight for an economy that works for everyone, that would also give me a chance to try to meet those objectives for all Californians. But, you know, at this point, I think we’re waiting to see what Sen. Feinstein has to say about her plans, but, yes, it is something I’m giving serious consideration to.”
"Yes, it is something I am giving serious consideration to…"@RepAdamSchiff talks a potential Senate run in 2024.
He says he is getting encouragement to run from people in CA and Congress, but is waiting to see what @SenFeinstein does.@Elex_Michaelson hosts @TheIssueIsShow pic.twitter.com/3UsDispJ0f
— The Issue Is (@TheIssueIsShow) December 24, 2022
Despite recent concerns about her mental fitness, Feinstein, who is 89, has said she “absolutely” intends to finish her current term. The senator told The Los Angeles Times this month that she will make a decision about running again “probably by spring.”
Earlier this year, The Washington Post reported Schiff, who represents part of Los Angeles County, was exploring a bid to replace House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) as leader of the Democratic caucus in the lower chamber.
Since that time, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) emerged as Pelosi’s expected successor next year when Republicans take over the House, while Schiff faces the prospect of being kicked off the intelligence panel if Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) becomes speaker over accusations that Schiff has “lied to the American public time and again.”