SANTA CLARITA, California — With the election a year away, three of the candidates for the late Dianne Feinstein’s Senate seat appeared at a forum Saturday to discuss issues related to immigrants and immigration.
The Santa Clarita event was sponsored by CHIRLA, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.
Appearing at the event were three current Democratic members of the House of Representatives who are eyeing Feinstein’s seat – Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee.
“I don’t want anyone to be turned away from access to health care because they’re afraid they’ll be deported if they try to get access,” said Schiff, D-Burbank. “I don’t want anyone who wants to get a better education to be denied that opportunity because of their status.”
All three expressed support for immigrants and ensuring access to services and a path to citizenship for those seeking asylum.
“Our economy cannot thrive without the contributions of immigrants,” said Porter, D-Irvine. “Both those with status and those without. Every immigrant family contains hardworking, amazing, talented, dedicated people, and every American needs to recognise that when our economy thrives, we all thrive.”
The latest poll shows Porter and Schiff neck-and-neck. Former Dodger Steve Garvey, who recently entered the race as a Republican, is one point ahead of Lee.
Lee, D-Oakland, said one priority is “making sure that full citizenship is achieved, that immigrants get health care and housing and good schools and all the support that you deserve is available to you.”
The primary is 5 March 2024 and the general election is 5 November 2024.
Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to the Senate seat after Feinstein’s death on 29 September. Butler has said she does not plan to run for a full term in 2024.
