Garvey races ahead of Schiff as more votes counted in Senate primary, signaling trouble for Democrat

Former MLB star Steve Garvey has won more votes than Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the California Senate primary.

California has a unique Senate election process where it holds one primary for both parties, and the top two candidates head into the general in November. Garvey and Schiff have already won more votes than their challengers and advanced, but with votes still coming in more than a week after the Super Tuesday contest, Garvey has surpassed Schiff in the total number he has gathered.

In a surprise Wednesday, Garvey is leading Schiff by about 250,000 votes, with 89% of the votes tallied, the Associated Press reported . While the total number of votes no longer matters regarding dictating the general election, it signals a closer race than many thought Schiff would be facing against his Republican foe.

"As California's votes are counted, it's clear that our message of unity, common sense, and compassion resonates across the state," Garvey campaign spokesman Matt Shupe told the Washington Examiner. "I am deeply honored by the trust and support shown in these preliminary results. Our campaign is about bringing together Californians from all walks of life to address our shared challenges. I will continue to listen, learn, and lead with compassion and work to build consensus on the real issues that matter to our communities."

"I'm energized by our campaign's momentum and ready for the challenge ahead," he added. "I look forward to a spirited campaign on the critical issues facing us."

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The Washington Examiner reached out to Schiff for comment.

The two candidates will now face each other in the general election in November to fill the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein's seat. Schiff has been expected to win in the deep blue state.