The first California U.S. Senate debate is taking place tonight at Bovard Auditorium on USC’s campus. Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee, and Republican Steve Garvey are taking center stage.
The debate is hosted by Politico alongside FOX 11 Los Angeles and the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future. The “Showdown for U.S. Senate” is moderated by FOX 11′s Elex Michaelson and Politico’s Melanie Mason.
The debate hall is packed with an enthusiastic crowd. The audience is freckled with USC students, members from political organizations on campus, working professionals in the political arena, and of course, the press. Annenberg Media is at the frontline, bringing you live updates from Bovard Auditorium.
7:28 End of the Showdown.
The candidates did not make closing statements, the audience applauded them and they left the stage. Media filed into the spin room at the close of the debate. Porter, Schiff and Lee took questions from the press, but Garvey was not present.
7:24 p.m. Response to USC student question on campus hate speech.
USC journalism student Jacob Wheeler asked a question about a rise in antisemitism and islamophobia on college campuses. Garvey responded by calling for compassion in response to the Israel-Hamas war.
Porter answers: “campuses should be places of debate, not hate. Young people should learn and dialogue with each other.”
She underscored her background in keeping places of worship safe as well. Schiff reflected on his personal experiences with antisemitism and said hate speech must be condemned and responded to with force.
7:15 p.m. Immigration reform.
Both Porter and Schiff agreed that the nation needed change on the issues of the immigration system and border control. Porter specifically stated that “we need to have an ordered immigration system” and then pointed out that Washington is not delivering.
Schiff also promised that he will go to the Senate and strive to “pass a comprehensive immigration reform.” Garvey added one more remark before this segment concluded: “[Californians’] life is threatened.”
7:11 p.m. Lee responds to crime in the Bay.
Moderator Melanie Mason asked Lee about Oakland’s loss of various businesses in response to high crime rates. She argued that gun control and police reform can increase public safety. She also referenced prior earmarks during her term in Congress, but her response was cut short by moderator Elex Michaelson.
Lee concluded the segment by saying that we should “not over-police” while also maintaining public safety.
6:52 p.m. Another hot topic: Abortion.
Garvey said he would “always support the voice of the people in California,” in response to a question about supporting the right to abortion if elected to the Senate.
Lee shared her personal experience with abortion and added that electing more Democratic senators would allow for the abolition of the Senate filibuster and codify Roe v. Wade.
Garvey referred to Schiff’s censure from the House of Representatives and explicitly stated that he would not support a federal abortion ban. The two candidates then traded jabs about the former president. Schiff defended his record on impeaching Trump, and Garvey closed and said that in Congress, Schiff lied to Americans and that he cannot take that back.
6:43 p.m. Homelessness in California is a “top issue” for voters
Porter stated that the solution to homelessness is building more housing. “[Homelessness] is the direct result of Washington’s failure” and it “keeps Wall Street printing money,” she said.
Schiff echoed Porter on the housing issue and highlighted securing more affordable housing as the solution to homelessness. “It’s a supply problem,” Schiff said, and added that homelessness could be addressed through tax incentives for affordable housing.
6:41 p.m. Democrats respond to Garvey’s opinion of Trump
Porter fired off insults at Garvey as the live audience erupted in laughter: “Once a Dodger, always a Dodger.” Porter quickly followed up with another snap: “This is not the minor leagues, who will you vote for?” Her fellow Democratic representatives pressed Garvey further. “At the end of the day, it’s all personal choice,” Garvey said, lamenting the one-party state of California once again.
6:35 p.m. Donald Trump questions spark a fiery debate on stage
A radio host launched a fill-in-the-blank question: “If the American people choose former President Donald Trump to return as commander in chief, then blank.”
The candidates responded in a heated debate. Lee and Schiff touted their legal cases against the former president and said that he is a threat to democracy. Garvey’s prior support for the former President led to a heated exchange between him and Porter, who said that re-election would hurt America’s credibility on the world stage.
6:29 p.m. Candidates talk healthcare
Both Schiff and Lee touted their prior support for the Affordable Care Act. Garvey made a case for private healthcare providers. Porter called out “big pharma” and rebuked her fellow Democratic members of Congress. The candidates then talked over each other to respond to Porter’s remarks.
6:15 p.m. Candidates discuss the Israel-Hamas War
Lee answered first by calling for an immediate ceasefire. In response, Schiff argued that the U.S. should stand in support of Israel. Porter supported a conditional ceasefire alongside release of hostages and a two-state solution. Garvey closed the question stating that a two-state solution may not be possible.
6:09 p.m. Economic talk from the candidates
The moderators asked candidates to rank the U.S. economy on a number scale. Schiff rated the economy a seven out of 10, explaining that labor laws and inflation make negative impacts. Garvey gave it a five, referencing Californian tax laws and high gas prices. Rep. Lee gave the economy a six. Porter rated it a five out of 10, blaming corporate power for the nation’s economic faults.
6:07 p.m. Steve Garvey makes the case against Democrats
Republican candidate Steve Garvey introduced himself as a former Dodger athlete and made a case against a one-party rule in California. In response to the question about his disagreements with the Republican Party, he described himself as a “concerned moderate,” but dodged the question.
6:05 p.m. Rep. Schiff distinguishes himself as a fighter
Rep. Adam Schiff acknowledged the similar voting records between the Democratic candidates and boasted his record on taking on “would-be dictator” Trump.
6:04 p.m. Lee a progressive
Rep. Barbara Lee defined herself as a “consistent progressive” in response to Michaelson’s question. She emphasized the importance of sending federal dollars to services in California.
5:58 p.m. The candidates take the stage
Candidates took to their podiums just minutes before the debate aired live on FOX 11 and on a Politico live stream at 6:00 p.m.
5:51 p.m. Dean of USC Dornsife kicks off the much-anticipated event
Dean of Dornsife Amber Miller said on stage that she will “create space for real debate about substantive issues,” and emphasized the office’s co-leadership between a Democrat and a Republican to begin the debate.
5:34 p.m. Moderator Melanie Mason shares her expectations for the debate
Politico’s Melanie Mason spoke with Annenberg Media on the significance of hosting the debate on a college campus.
“The truth is younger voters are going to be so crucial for any of the candidates,” Mason said. “So gathering on campus and getting young people excited creates an energy and buzz.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing a little fireworks tonight,” Mason said regarding her expectations. She added that “[the candidates] have an opportunity to not only present themselves, but also interact with each other.”