Schiff leads California Senate race: poll

California Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the race to represent the Golden State in the upper chamber of Congress, according to a recent survey.

Schiff earned 24% support in the latest Public Policy Institute of California poll. Fellow Democratic Rep. Katie Porter trailed with 19% while Republican Steve Garvey placed third with 18%. Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee earned 10% support. Garvey's support has nearly doubled since the December survey, when he earned 10% support.

In the prior survey, Schiff earned 21%, Porter earned 16%, and Lee earned 8%

California's primary will take place March 5 and include candidates from both sides of the aisle. The top two finishers will move on to a runoff contest. The ultimate winner will claim a full term in the seat currently held by California Democratic Sen. Laphonza Butler, whom Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, appointed to finish the term of the late Dianne Feinstein.

Unsurprisingly, President Joe Biden led former President Donald Trump 55% to 32% in a general election matchup. California has not backed a Republican for president since George H.W. Bush in 1988.

Conducted Feb. 6-13, the survey questioned 1,628 California adults, including 1,075 likely voters.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.