In a stunning turn of events, retired MLB star Steve Garvey has emerged as the frontrunner in the crowded California Senate race, according to a recent poll conducted by the University of California Berkeley Institute of Government Studies.

With a commanding 27 percent of the vote, Garvey’s unexpected lead has sent shockwaves through the political establishment, surpassing seasoned politicians like U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff.

The poll, conducted between February 22 and 27, has captured widespread attention, highlighting Garvey’s meteoric rise in the polls. As the primary election draws near, the race for the U.S. Senate seat in California has intensified, with Garvey’s surge challenging conventional expectations.

The Los Angeles Times analysis credits the hyper-competitive Democrat primary for Garvey’s remarkable ascent. Schiff’s aggressive ad campaign, totaling approximately $25 million, has framed the race as a showdown between him and Garvey.

“Two leading candidates for Senate. Two very different visions for California,” declares one ad, strategically designed to undermine Garvey’s candidacy.

Despite Schiff’s well-funded efforts to discredit him, Garvey’s appeal to Republican voters remains strong. His unexpected lead, coupled with anticipated low voter turnout, could further bolster his prospects in the primary election, as evidenced by early mail-in voting returns.

As the primary election looms, the political landscape in California has been thrown into turmoil by Garvey’s surge. With Schiff scrambling to regain ground and Garvey’s momentum showing no signs of slowing, the race for the California Senate seat promises to be a riveting and unpredictable contest.